As major neighborhoods in L.A. continue to lose homes, businesses, and community resources to raging fires, Airbnb and other short-term and vacation rental platforms are offering free accommodations for those who have lost their homes.
Airbnb and competitor vacation home company Pacaso are using their vast database of rental properties to match available rentals with displaced families and individuals. Airbnb is executing the assistance through a partnership with 211 LA, a 24-hour hotline for individuals and families in need of aid in health, human, and social services, including housing crises.
They are offering services to residents who have lost their homes in Altadena, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Santa Monica and Sylmar neighborhoods. Impacted residents can request assistance for temporary housing support from Airbnb.org by filling out this intake form with 211 LA, according to Airbnb.com.
According to Travel and Leisure, Pacaso, a luxury vacation home rental service, has created a program that helps homeowners donate stays to those affected by the fires. Those who need housing can email donation@pacaso.com to be connected to an available property.
It’s important to note that most available housing is out-of-state, or a ways from L.A. County. Some are located in Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, San Diego and Lake Tahoe, according to a Pacaso spokesperson.
Pacaso also takes their generosity a step further to offer coverage of out-of-pocket costs. They’re offering coverage of “all fees associated with these short-term stays.”
The fires, which are some of the most destructive in L.A. ‘s history have killed at least 25 people and torn through various highly populated neighborhoods including the Palisades and Eaton. So far, more than 12,000 structures have been destroyed including homes, sheds, mobile homes, cars, and community buildings, according to BBC. Projected damage costs are expected to exceed $150 billion.
To help the people impacted by the fires Click Here.
