In response to Hurricane Isaias’ landfall in the Panhandle, Airbnb.org, the nonprofit founded by Airbnb, is providing free emergency housing to Florida residents whose homes were made uninhabitable by the storm.
The nonprofit has partnered with Inform Florida, Florida’s 211 network and community partners across the Gulf Coast to offer the temporary stays. The program is open to residents whose homes were damaged by the storm and to those living in areas under mandatory evacuation orders.
For many families, the hardest part of a hurricane begins after the storm passes. Roofs are gone, floors are soaked, and homes that were livable a week ago no longer are.
Residents seeking help can call 211, where a caseworker will determine eligibility. Stays are free for guests and funded by Airbnb.org and its donors, so families do not have to search for a rental or pay for lodging.
Christoph Gorder, executive director of Airbnb.org, said that work depends on planning well ahead of a storm.
Our preparation begins long before a disaster occurs,” Gorder said. “We build relationships ahead of time with local nonprofits and governments, so that if families need emergency housing during a storm, we can help them find it quickly.”
The need is especially clear in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, where storm damage closed schools. As classrooms reopen, many parents are facing questions about where their families will live while they work through repairs, insurance claims, and next steps.
Since its founding in 2020, Airbnb.org has provided more than 43,000 nights of free emergency housing across the Gulf Coast region, including during Hurricanes Helene, Milton and Debby in 2024.
Airbnb.org also worked with All Hands and Hearts to provide free emergency housing for its first responders as they stage in the southeastern United States and deploy to support relief efforts.
“We also provide stays to first responders through our partner organizations,” Gorder said. “Their work is hard, and we know a comfortable place to call home can help them recharge for the next day.”
Florida residents affected by Hurricane Isaias can call 211 to see if they qualify. More information is available at news.airbnb.com/airbnb-org-
