MEDFORD, Ore. – Airbnb is offering the Open Homes program to allow homeowners to host fire victims or any natural disaster victim for free.
Krista Thompson, a local Medford resident, has been offering up her home for one year.
“I did get one inquiry from the Paradise Fire of a woman who was displaced,” Thompson said.
Just one person, after multiple devastating wildfires. Thompson said, part of the problem is a lot of people don’t have access to the internet after a natural disaster.
Airbnb is working to change that by partnering with non-profits to assist people in finding homes when they don’t have access to internet.
The program is now open to more than just victims of natural disasters, volunteers and first-responders can also have a free place to stay.
“In a disaster we have first-responders and open homes is also open to those individuals and volunteers that might be coming forward to help out,” Thompson said.
For Thompson, opening up her home during a natural disaster is the easiest way for her to help.
“If I was a psychologist I would be offering help that way, but I am not, what I do have is a home,” Thompson said.
If you would like to join the program or need a place to stay, go to Airbnb’s website.
Homeowners can work within their parameters and scheduling when housing natural disaster victims.
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