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.

Please follow our Community Guidelines

MyNorthwest News

sunny fall weekend...

Ted Buehner

Western Washington eyes a sunny fall weekend

This weekend’s weather will be about as good as it gets for early October.

3 minutes ago

weekend...

Paul Holden

Spooky pets and tasty bites: October fun arrives in the Seattle area this weekend

We are really getting into the spirit of fall now that we have hit October, and that means lots of spooky season events happening this weekend.

4 minutes ago

Costco (4)...

Julia Dallas

Costco sued over ‘sugar-free’ claims on Kirkland electrolyte drink mix

Costco is being sued over a “sugar-free” electrolyte drink mix that plaintiff Mason Maldonado alleged is falsely advertised.

11 hours ago

Department of Energy...

MyNorthwest Staff

‘Deeply disturbing’: Department of Energy employee allegedly acquired explosive materials in attempt to aid Houthis

A Department of Energy employee was arrested and charged with attempting to provide material or resources to the Houthis.

12 hours ago

paine field plane crash (1)...

MyNorthwest Staff

‘Very sad, unfortunate incident’: Pilot killed after small plane crashes in Everett

A small plane crashed on the west side of Paine Field in Everett Thursday afternoon.

13 hours ago

bats...

Tim Hohl

Crews narrow search for bats’ entry point after 8 found at Puyallup school

Another bat has been found inside a Puyallup elementary school, bringing the total to eight since mid-September.

13 hours ago

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