HOUSTON – It’s been a week since Hurricane Beryl roared through southeast Texas, knocking down trees, tearing down powerlines, and causing millions of Houston residents to be without electricity. Some residents still have not fully recovered and don’t have their lights back on.
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However, if there’s one thing we can always count on in Houston, it’s our resiliency and the kindness of others. That’s why Airbnb.org announced it would be providing free, temporary housing to displaced residents because of Beryl.
Thanks to a partnership with Houston-based nonprofits Alexander JFS and Tejano Center for Community Concerns, displaced residents will assist in identifying residents in need and connect them with various places to stay.
Those stays in turn will be, according to its press release, “completely free for guests and are funded by Airbnb.org and the generosity of Airbnb hosts — many of whom offer their home for free or at a discount through Airbnb.org.”
“Housing in Houston poses a unique challenge for our most vulnerable populations, Morgan Zeringue, Manager, Disaster Services, Coaching and Case Management at Alexander JFS said in a press statement. “For our team trying to support clients during a disaster, the task can seem almost impossible. This partnership with Airbnb.org has provided relief to families who often have nowhere else to turn. It has provided support to an entire team of Case Management specialists who take pride in delivering the highest quality of service possible, by keeping clients safely housed!”
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“Tejano Center for Community Concerns recognizes that our ability to provide impactful service, support, and disaster recovery efforts is enhanced through collaboration, making this partnership with Airbnb.org essential,” Dr. Adriana Tamez, President and CEO, Tejano Center for Community Concerns added. “Together, we are alleviating the stress of finding temporary housing for displaced families, ensuring their safety and stability during a challenging time. Our mantra, ‘Making it happen together,’ truly embodies the spirit of this collaboration. We deeply appreciate Airbnb.org’s dedication to this cause and extend our gratitude to Council Member Joaquin Martinez for facilitating this connection. We commend Airbnb.org and their hosts for their generosity and swift response.”
Currently, Airbnb.org noted it would not be offering direct housing to individuals. The assistance will be coordinated by Alexander JFS and Tejano Center for Community Concerns.
“This effort brought relief to some of our most vulnerable,” Abbie Kamin, Houston City Council Member District C said in a statement. “Airbnb.org’s eagerness to help, collaborate, and support local nonprofits like Alexander JFS and Tejano Center for Community Concerns demonstrate the power of working together to ensure our residents have a safe place to stay during this challenging time. I am grateful I could connect Airbnb.org with JFS, and see this beautiful partnership come to fruition.”
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Houston residents who would like to offer free, or discounted stays to displaced residents can do so by visiting Airbnb.org where all service fees can be waived for hosts and guests. People can also support Beryl victims by donating to Airbnb.org 100 percent of donations will go toward covering the cost of temporary stays for this response and other crises.
Learn more on this offer from Airbnb.org by clicking here.
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