Washingtonians displaced by the state's ongoing wildfires have another option for short-term accommodations: Airbnb, the home-sharing marketplace.
Airbnb.org, the nonprofit arm of Airbnb, is offering free emergency housing to people affected by the devastating wildfires. It's available for those in Spokane, Stevens, Chelan, Okanogan, Yakima and Ferry counties, as well as the Spokane, Colville and Yakama tribal communities.
The nonprofit had provided more than 1,400 nights of free accommodations since wildfire season began, with four in five stays happening in Washington, according to a news release earlier this month.
Major swaths of the state have been on fire since July, with Spokane suffering catastrophic wildfires that burned hundreds of homes in August. Statewide, 19 large fires are blazing, per the Department of Natural Resources, and a total of more than 1,470 fires have been counted this year.
In Spokane, shelters can also be found at the Spokane Convention Center, the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center and multiple YMCA of the Inland Northwest branches. Project Spokane's community housing board also keeps an active list of available housing, including spare rooms, houses and RV parking spots for no cost.
The city received $1 million in wildfire housing assistance funds from the state Department of Commerce for rental assistance, utilities and leasing costs for affected residents, according to a news release. The money will be managed by nonprofit Goodwill Industries.
We know the need is urgent,” Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown said in a statement.
A city spokesperson didn't immediately respond to a request for comment about which housing options have been the most impactful.
The Airbnb housing is offered in partnership with nonprofit Washington 211. Displaced people can call 211 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to determine eligibility. Affected locals can apply if their primary residence is in a mandatory evacuation zone.
"Washington 211 has long been the front door to help in Washington — and now, thanks to our partnership with Airbnb.org, that includes temporary housing for people who are displaced or lost their homes," said Deb Miller, Washington 211 board chair, in a statement.
Airbnb must be able to verify your identity by creating an account on its website.
An Airbnb.org spokesperson didn't immediately respond to a request for comment. Washington 211 also couldn't be reached Sunday, though an automated message highlighted "a surge in call volume on the helpline.
Airbnb hosts can sign up to extend free accommodations.
The platform's nonprofit is providing shelter for emergencies beyond Washington, including the Colombia earthquake and various wildfires across North America and Europe.
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