As the world grapples with how to handle the refugee crisis, some people in Europe have found a new way to help out: booking Airbnb rentals for refugees. But does this actually do any good?
The “california airbnb” is a type of Airbnb that allows people to rent out their homes. The idea behind the Airbnb was originally to help people in need, but it has since become a popular way for travelers to stay in new and interesting places.
People are booking Airbnbs in Ukraine to raise money for charity, but is this a good idea?
on March 4, 2022 by Gary Leff
In Ukraine, people are reserving Airbnbs as a kind of direct philanthropy. They have no intention of remaining; they’re only utilizing it as a means of sending money to those who rent their homes. On the one hand, these folks seem to be pretty wealthy (with real land that hasn’t been blasted out by Russian soldiers!). On the other side, they’re watching any existing business dry up. Some may already be offering free shelter to refugees, and this helps to alleviate the strain.
Here’s Marginal Revolution’s Alex Tabarrok, God Save The Points’ Gilbert Ott, and Family’s Miles.
The CEO of Airbnb is pushing this on social media:
People are reserving Airbnbs in Ukraine that they have no intention of staying in solely to aid the hosts. https://t.co/L6B11ioSXb
March 3, 2022 — Brian Chesky (@bchesky)
Some folks in miles-land recommend utilizing the $200 home rental credit earned as part of the Capital One Venture X card’s first bonus offer right now (ending March 14).
Ukrainian migrants need a somewhere to dwell, which may quickly deplete inventories (restrict supply) and boost prices.
- Where you book is quite important. You seem to want to know where people are fleeing to and avoid booking those locations (so you don’t have to take inventory, but also because those hosts may not need as much assistance as others).
- When making a reservation, make it known that you will not be attending – and recommend that the inventory be re-listed on another platform for the covered days so that it is still accessible.
Airbnb has eliminated costs in the nation and is giving 14-day stays to refugees. Here’s a platform that connects migrants with hosts. And here’s a chance to assist in the delivery of goods to Ukrainian refugees.
Perhaps only stay for one night and talk directly with the host to reduce their costs for any further funds you want to give. I suppose I don’t mind paying the cleaning expenses in this situation.
This is probably not the most effective method of giving. Now that this has become a thing, I wouldn’t be surprised to see bogus Ukrainian listings added to the site, so be sure the host’s home has a long history of ratings before booking.
There is a need for both civilian and military aid, and it is not arriving rapidly enough. The World Bank and IMF are ‘racing’ to send help to the nation in the ‘coming weeks and months,’ according to the World Bank. The IMF will not consider assistance until next week.
According to some sources, the apartment complex was vacant (still under construction):
Another residential apartment complex in Hostomel has been bombed by Russian soldiers. pic.twitter.com/9Uy0onqXTR
March 4, 2022 — Jake Hanrahan (@Jake Hanrahan)
Nonetheless:
Photos taken in Kharkiv. pic.twitter.com/KcobsP1NRB https://t.co/adeL7o6vuh pic.twitter.com/KcobsP1NRB
March 4, 2022 — Rob Lee (@RALee85)
In the meanwhile, I assume one might make purchases from Ukrainian vendors on Etsy, then cancel the transaction and notify the seller that you do not want a refund?
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