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Airbnb said Monday it would provide free temporary housing to as many as 100,000 refugees leaving Ukraine. The announcement came shortly after the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees said Monday that more than 500,000 refugees have now fled Ukraine. That number has increased from the 150,000 that had crossed Ukraine’s borders by Saturday.
Airbnb said in a statement that the housing will be provided by the company along with donors to its refugee fund, with along with “the generosity of hosts” on the platform. The company has sent initial letters offering its assistance to countries including Poland, Germany, Hungary and Romania.
Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky said in a statement on Twitter that the company needs more help from people who can offer their homes and provided a link for those who would like to sign up to be involved. He added: “We know that hosts and guests on Airbnb around the world will be eager to stand up and assist this massive effort to help those fleeing Ukraine. Airbnb.org will work directly through nonprofits on the ground, who are responsible for booking and coordinating stays for refugee guests, regardless of nationality, race, ethnicity, or how they identify.”
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