In response to December’s catastrophic flooding that displaced hundreds of families across Washington, global stay and experience platform Airbnb is providing 700 free nights of temporary housing to support households and first responders in urgent need of safe, stable shelter, a news release from United Ways of the Pacific Northwest (UWPNW) stated.
This rapid housing initiative is being coordinated by UWPNW in partnership with United Way of Pierce County, which is working with county emergency management disaster case managers to place affected families in eligible households as quickly as possible.
Through this partnership, up to 100 families may receive up to seven nights of temporary housing, with longer stays available if needed based on individual circumstances and availability. The program is designed to help families transition out of emergency shelters as those sites wind down and to prioritize individuals for whom congregate shelter is not a suitable option, according to the release.
“Safe, temporary housing is critical for families who have been displaced by catastrophic flooding,” said Jim Cooper, president and CEO of United Ways of the Pacific Northwest. “Airbnb’s generous donation of 700 nights gives families, as well as first responders, the stability they need to begin recovering and rebuilding after so much loss.”
"Having a stable place to stay after being displaced by the flooding has meant everything to our family. In the middle of so much uncertainty, it gave us a sense of safety and normalcy when our lives felt completely turned upside down,” stated Jose and Briseyda, the first family placed in Airbnb housing in Yakima County since the river swept away a portion of their home, in a news release. “Knowing we had a secure roof over our heads allowed us to focus on getting through each day instead of constantly worrying about where we would sleep or how we would keep our family together."
Priority placement will be given to families currently supported by the American Red Cross and individuals residing in emergency shelters; households with young children; older adults; individuals with accessibility needs or health-related vulnerabilities; and families for whom congregate shelter environments are not appropriate.
In addition to displaced households, Airbnb is also making housing available to first responders and disaster recovery volunteers who are on the front lines supporting flood-impacted communities, the release stated.
UWPNW, in partnership with United Way of Pierce County, will manage the intake process and coordinate placements. To qualify, households must be in good standing with Airbnb and meet eligibility criteria established for this emergency response. This housing support is part of a broader, coordinated disaster recovery effort led by United Ways of the Pacific Northwest to address both immediate needs and long-term recovery.
