Airbnb Starts Open Homes Program For Hill And Woolsey Fires

MALIBU, CA – Airbnb has activated its Open Homes Program to help displaced residents and relief workers deployed to respond to the Hill and Woolsey fires in Ventura and Los Angeles counties. The program recruits hosts who are willing and able to provide free housing to displaced residents evacuated and disaster relief workers supporting the response, according to the press release.

"Our goal is to ensure those able to open their homes are aware of the program and that anyone affected and in need of temporary accommodation knows this program is an option," an Airbnb representative said.

The Open Homes Program is currently available through Nov. 29, 2018 and hosts in the area are encouraged to consider opening their homes to those who are in need of temporary accommodations or for relief workers helping in the area, the press release said.

Airbnb's program connects local residents who have been displaced, emergency relief workers and volunteers to find temporary housing with local hosts who are opening their homes for free. The program started in 2012 after Hurricane Sandy, and as since grown into a global disaster response initiative, according to Airbnb.

“Our hearts go out to all those impacted by the fires in Ventura County," Kellie Bentz, Airbnb's Head of Global Disaster Response and Relief, said. "We are continually humbled by our hosts generosity in times of disaster through our Open Homes program."

For more information, visit the Hill and Woosley fires Airbnb page.

PHOTO: This photo from video provided by CBS2/KCAL9 shows a wildfire burning in Camarillo, CA, Thursday afternoon, Nov. 8, 2018. Known as the Hill fire, it here has crossed U.S. Highway 101, at center right, potentially threatening hundreds of homes. (CBS2/KCAL9 via AP)