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Utility Management Advisory

Using the Shared Economy to Help Others

Posted on January 9, 2020

Did you know that Airbnb has a specific program designed specifically to help victims of natural disasters, refugees, and those recovering from medical treatments?

I didn’t either, until I stumbled upon a link for the OpenHomes program on the Airbnb website.

The OpenHomes program works pretty much like the regular Airbnb platform does, except the hosts are offering free housing for an affected family. Airbnb pitches in by verifying the identification of guests, waiving its usual fees, and covering property insurance for up to $1 million in damage.

When tragic events occur in our society, we often all wish there was something we could do to help. As apartment owners and operators, this program might be something to consider as a way to help those impacted by tragic events and to get involved in the community. If you typically rent out your guest suites or have units furnished for corporate housing, this might be an easy way to offer someone in need a place to stay for a few nights.

Read more about how this program has helped California wildfire victims and victims of mass shootings.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/travel/how-i-used-airbnbs-open-homes-program-to-help-california-wildfire-victims/2018/12/12/d5f71250-f7e8-11e8-863c-9e2f864d47e7_story.html

Read more about the program offered by Airbnb at:
https://www.airbnb.com/openhomes

Lori Hanson

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