Airbnb Co-founder Tweets That The Company Will Provide Free Accommodation For 20,000 Afghan Refugees
The short-term accommodation company will provide shelter to some 20,000 refugees from Afghanistan where the Taliban has taken over for the second time. Afghans are fleeing the country as they do not want to live under the barbaric rule of the militant organisation who believe in the ideologies of Sharia Law.
'Starting today, Airbnb will begin housing 20,000 Afghan refugees globally for free,' read co-founder and CEO of Airbnb, Brian Chesky's tweet.
This one tweet by the billionaire gave hope to people that despite the devastating situation in Afghanistan, there is a glimpse of humanity somewhere in the west.
Starting today, Airbnb will begin housing 20,000 Afghan refugees globally for free.
¡ª Brian Chesky (@bchesky) August 24, 2021
The short-term accommodation company will provide shelter to some 20,000 refugees from Afghanistan where the Taliban has taken over for the second time. Afghans are fleeing the country as they do not want to live under the barbaric rule of the militant organisation who believe in the ideologies of Sharia Law.
The project started yesterday and the company will cover the costs of their stays.
Chesky's Twitter thread further mentioned that: 'While we will be paying for these stays, we could not do this without the generosity of our hosts.'
He added, 'To make this happen, we are working closely with http://Airbnb.org, NGOs, and partners orgs on the ground to support the most pressing needs.'
He welcomed others to come and support the refugees from Afghanistan: 'If you¡¯re willing to host a refugee family, reach out and I¡¯ll connect you with the right people here to make it happen!'
¡®The displacement and resettlement of Afghan refugees in the US and elsewhere is one of the biggest humanitarian crises of our time. We feel a responsibility to step up,' he wrote on the microblogging website.
¡®I hope this inspires other business leaders to do the same. There¡¯s no time to waste,' he concluded.
I hope this inspires other business leaders to do the same. There¡¯s no time to waste.
¡ª Brian Chesky (@bchesky) August 24, 2021
This is not the first time the firm has come to the rescue of those in need. Airbnb has provided temporary housing to more than 25,000 refugees over the past four years as well as welcoming people affected by natural disasters and the ongoing pandemic.
Earlier this year, the company launched the $25 million Refugee Fund to extend support to refugees and asylum seekers worldwide.
Mr Chesky added: ¡®As tens of thousands of Afghan refugees resettle around the world, where they stay will be the first chapter in their new lives. For these 20,000 refugees, my hope is that the Airbnb community will provide them with not only a safe place to rest and start over, but also a warm welcome home.¡¯
A statement from Airbnb said: ¡®In this past week, it has become abundantly clear that the displacement and resettlement of Afghan refugees here in the United States and elsewhere is a significant humanitarian crisis ¨C and in the face of this need, our community is ready to once again step up.'
'Airbnb recognises the situation on the ground is fast evolving. Airbnb.org will closely collaborate with resettlement agencies and partners to go where the need goes, and evolve this initiative and our support as necessary,' it added.
¡®In addition, given the tremendous need, Airbnb urges fellow members of the global business community to join efforts to provide immediate support to Afghan refugees.¡¯