Airbnb Offers Free, Temporary Housing Across Florida, Southeast

TAMPA, FLORIDA — Airbnb has launched its Open Homes Program to help displaced residents and relief workers deployed to the southeast region impacted by Hurricane Dorian. The program recruits hosts who are willing and able to provide free housing to displaced residents, and disaster relief workers in the activation area.

The Open Homes Program for Hurricane Dorian was first activated on Aug. 28 to assist those in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The new activation area on the U.S. mainland includes the majority of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and parts of Alabama. The Open Homes Program is currently available through Sept. 16.

This activation for Hurricane Dorian is one of Airbnb’s largest ever activation for a natural disaster.

“Airbnb’s Open Homes Program continues to be activated for those affected by Hurricane Dorian across the southeast U.S. region," Kellie Bentz, Airbnb’s Head of Global Disaster Response and Relief said in a press release. "Through the program, those in need of temporary accommodations can connect with Open Homes hosts in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Alabama free of charge. We encourage hosts to open up their homes, and those who need housing to take advantage of the program.”

This concept began organically in 2012 in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, and has since grown into a global disaster response initiative that makes it easy for Airbnb hosts to provide space for people in need when disasters strike.

As Hurricane Dorian continued to wreak destruction on the Bahamas Sunday, other relief efforts are underway in Florida.

SEE ALSO: Hurricane Dorian Makes Landfall: Hurricane Watch Issued In FL

Michael Reimer, a driver/engineer for the Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue and volunteer for the Head-Knowles Emergency Management Fund, said the nonprofit group plans to fly in a plane loaded with relief supplies for the islanders as soon as the airport at Marsh Harbor in the Abaco Islands in the Bahamas reopens.

The donations will go directly to the Marsh Harbor Fire Department and the Marsh Harbor Rotary Club.

Richard Rudon, who has been monitoring the hurricane's progress from Nassau for radio station Star 106.5 FM and the Nassau Guardian newspaper, said the devastation is already extensive, and the hurricane has yet to complete its pass of the islands.

Marsh Harbor is the largest town in the Abaco Islands with a population of just over 6,000 people. The combined population of the islands is about 17,200.

Home videos taken Sunday show extensive flooding with cars completely submerged, roofs ripped off homes and trees snapped like toothpicks from hurricane-force winds.

Reimer is donating the use of his warehouse to stockpile donations. Those wishing to help can drop off supplies at 3455 High Ridge Road in Boynton Beach. The nonprofit is also making arrangements for a collection site in Riviera Beach. Reimer will post the details on his Facebook page once a site is determined.

The donations will be transferred to Palm Beach where sea freight transportation has been arranged.

If you plan on donating, here are needed items:

• Food
• Tar Paper
• Tarps
• Hammers and nails
• Chain saws - no fuel
• Generators - no fuel
• Fuel cans (new only)
• Tyvek or similar moisture barrier
• Toiletries

He noted that there is no need to drop off water. Water is already being supplied.
For those who want to help but aren't near the collection sites, a Gofundme donation page has been established for monetary donations.