This week, the Airbnb team announced the news that hosts on the platform are offering free entire home accommodation to NHS staff and medical workers in the UK, who are working hard on the frontline of the coronavirus outbreak. The company is working with the NHS to identify those in need, and is waiving all fees associated with these stays.
Part of Airbnb’s Open Homes programme – created back in 2012 to meet the needs of people requiring emergency housing – this initiative is a local expansion of Airbnb’s global ambition to help house 100,000 healthcare professionals, relief workers and first responders battling COVID-19 around the world.
Since the announcement, the response from Airbnb hosts across the country has been incredible, with nearly 1,500 places to stay already being offered by hosts in the UK.
The announcement gave media some much-needed good news and has generated over 360 pieces of coverage to date and counting. There were stand out pieces on LBC Radio, Metro, Daily Mail, Independent, House Beautiful and HELLO! Magazine, alongside a whole host of other broadcast segments and tonnes of regional hits.
Stay home. Stay safe.
