Airbnb supporting communities in crisis through employee volunteerism, housing relief programmes, and corporate social responsibility with heart.
Every year on World Humanitarian Day (19 August), we pause to recognise the power of collective action when disaster strikes. For organisations, this is a moment to reflect on how business can be more than profit: it can be a lifeline. Few companies embody this spirit better than Airbnb, whose commitment to supporting communities in crisis has become a cornerstone of its culture and corporate responsibility.
From Hosting Holidays to Hosting Hope
Airbnb began as a platform to connect travellers with unique stays. Yet, over the past decade, the company has transformed into a humanitarian partner in times of need. When communities face natural disasters, conflict, or displacement, Airbnb has consistently stepped in to provide not just accommodation, but dignity, safety, and hope.
The launch of Airbnb.org in 2020 formalised this mission. As a non-profit arm of the company, Airbnb.org works with NGOs, governments, and community groups to provide temporary housing for people displaced by crises, whetherfleeing wildfires, earthquakes, or war. To date, Airbnb hosts have offered stays to more than 250,000 people in times of crisis, spanning refugees from Ukraine to families affected by hurricanes in the United States.
Employee Volunteerism: Giving Time and Skills
Airbnb doesn’t just mobilise its hosts; it also empowers its employees to contribute. Through its volunteer time-off programmes, employees can dedicate paid hours to supporting community organisations, both on the ground and virtually.
- Many employees serve as digital volunteers, helping NGOs improve technology platforms, fundraising strategies, and data use to better serve displaced people.
- Others take part in hands-on relief work, including community rebuilding, distribution of aid, and logistics support.
- Airbnb encourages a culture of empathy and activism, recognising that corporate citizenship begins with engaged employees.
This dual approach, activating both the host network and the employee base, means Airbnb’s humanitarian impact extends well beyond financial donations.
Housing Relief at Scale
In moments of crisis, speed matters. Airbnb has developed systems that enable it to quickly activate housing relief programmes when emergencies strike. For example:
- Following the Ukraine conflict in 2022, Airbnb.org coordinated with partners to provide free housing to over 100,000 refugees in neighbouring European countries.
- After Hurricane Ian in Florida (2022), Airbnb worked with local governments to secure safe housing for displaced families.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, the platform helped frontline workers access free or discounted stays close to hospitals and care facilities.
These initiatives showcase how a global business model can pivot to provide humanitarian value, fast, practical, and people-first.
Corporate Social Responsibility with Heart
What sets Airbnb apart is its emphasis on heart-led CSR. Instead of treating social impact as a side project, it’s embedded into the organisation’s DNA. Airbnb actively invites its global host community to join in, allowing ordinary people to make an extraordinary difference.
Hosts who volunteer their properties for emergency stays often share stories of deep connection with the people they’ve hosted, from refugees who became long-term family friends to wildfire victims who found comfort in a stranger’s home. This human-to-human connection is at the core of Airbnb’s humanitarian mission.
As Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky said when launching Airbnb.org: “When people open their homes in times of crisis, they open their hearts too.”
Why It Matters for Workplace Wellbeing
Airbnb’s example offers powerful lessons for organisations everywhere:
- Align business with humanity: Employees and customers alike are more engaged when they see a company living its values and making a real difference.
- Empower employees as change-makers: By giving people the tools and time to volunteer, companies cultivate pride, purpose, and loyalty in their workforce.
- Act fast, act local : Crisis response requires agility. Companies that prepare to mobilise quickly will not only protect communities but also strengthen resilience internally.
- Connection is wellbeing: For both employees and beneficiaries, connection, belonging, and shared humanity underpin mental health and resilience.
The Takeaway
On this World Humanitarian Day, Airbnb stands as a reminder that business can be a force for good. By combining its platform, people, and purpose, it has created a model of compassionate corporate leadership that others can learn from.
For HR and leadership teams, the message is clear: supporting communities isn’t just an act of charity, it’s an investment in culture, engagement, and wellbeing. In a world facing constant disruption, the organisations that thrive will be those that balance profit with purpose, and impact with heart.
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If you’ve been inspired by Airbnb’s story, explore more of our Spotlights to see how other leading organisations are reimagining the future of work. For example, read our recent feature on Google and discover how they’re empowering the next generation through early careers programmes and youth leadership opportunities.
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