MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Airbnb provides housing to nearly 1,500 Afghan refugees in Washington

Feb 25, 2022, 12:50 PM

Airbnb made a commitment to offer free, temporary housing to 20,000 Afghan refugees, and has reportedly met that goal, as CEO and co-found Brian Chesky shared on Twitter this week.

In Washington state, Airbnb has provided housing to nearly 1,500 Afghan refugees, and Seattle has been one of the top destinations.

Gov. Inslee encourages continued evacuation efforts of Afghan refugees

The goal of 20,000 refugees housed by Airbnb was reached in six months, in partnership with resettlement agencies and nonprofit organizations. In the future, a release from the company says that “the Airbnb community will continue to be a crucial resource for newly arriving Afghans as well as other newcomers, with the goal of providing housing to another 20,000 refugees.”

“We welcome our new Afghan neighbors with open arms into the diverse and vibrant fabric of our state,” Gov. Jay Inslee said in a written statement. “We look out for each other here in Washington, and right now these families need our support, kindness, and generosity. It’s uplifting to see the work Airbnb.org is doing here, and we call on the entire global business sector to help meet the continuing needs of newly arriving Afghans.”

Seattle area groups ask for volunteers to help arriving Afghan refugees

The effort has been funded through contributions to Airbnb.org from Chesky, Co-founder and Chairman of Airbnb Joe Gebbia, as well as donors to the Airbnb.org Refugee Fund.

MyNorthwest News

seattle shots fired...

MyNorthwest Staff

3 in custody after Seattle officers shot at

Three people are in custody after shots were fired at Seattle officers.

10 hours ago

rabid bat hair Olympic national park...

Frank Lenzi

Rabid bat gets caught in woman’s hair at Olympic National Park

A rabid bat swooped down and got caught in a woman's hair at Olympic National Park near Staircase Bridge on Sunday afternoon around 2 p.m.

11 hours ago

drive-by shooting...

James Lynch

WSP arrests suspect in last month’s drive-by shooting on SR 900

Washington State Patrol (WSP) troopers have arrested a suspect in connection with an early-morning drive-by shooting on SR 900.

11 hours ago

Flock cameras...

Tyrah Majors, KIRO 7 News

Renton City Council votes to cover Flock cameras after pausing their use

The City of Renton is moving to physically cover all 24 of its Flock automatic license plate recognition cameras.

12 hours ago

pet food...

KIRO 7 News Staff

DOJ sues WA pet food company, claims unsanitary conditions led to repeated contaminations

The United States Department of Justice filed a lawsuit, seeking to permanently stop Washington pet food manufacturer Arrow Reliance Inc.

14 hours ago

free school meals...

KIRO Newsradio staff

Seattle council approves $3.6 million for free school meals

The Seattle City Council voted unanimously on Tuesday to approve $3.6 million to provide free school meals for students this school year.

14 hours ago

Airbnb provides housing to nearly 1,500 Afghan refugees in Washington