**Airbnb Provides Free Temporary Housing for Los Angeles Wildfire Evacuees**

Airbnb is taking action to offer free temporary lodging for individuals affected by the catastrophic wildfires currently ongoing in Los Angeles. Here’s how those impacted can obtain this assistance.

The wildfires in California have inflicted extensive damage this week, resulting in at least five fatalities, the destruction of over 1,000 structures, and the evacuation of more than 100,000 residents. Despite the relentless efforts of local firefighters, the flames remain largely unchecked, ravaging thousands of acres with no signs of slowing down. In response, Governor Gavin Newsom has proclaimed a state of emergency, and President Joe Biden has granted a Major Disaster declaration, rallying resources nationwide to help fight the fires.

### Evacuation Resources

With numerous residents compelled to abandon their homes, securing safe accommodation has become a vital issue. Information about evacuation centers can be found on the websites of the [California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection](https://www.fire.ca.gov/Incidents) and the [Los Angeles Fire Department](https://lafd.org/). Some established evacuation centers include the [Westwood Recreation Center](https://maps.app.goo.gl/M6Qcr7i9KUACthbF8), [Pan Pacific Recreation Center](https://maps.app.goo.gl/jGz1nkJbPS1G9kS9A), and [Ritchie Valens Recreation Center](https://maps.app.goo.gl/CYfbJ8oY4h3CULDz8). Moreover, the [Los Angeles Equestrian Center](https://maps.app.goo.gl/NJMKS1Shq4phLibEA) is offering temporary housing for large animals.

### Airbnb’s Free Housing Initiative

In a bid to further assist evacuees, [Airbnb.org](http://Airbnb.org), a nonprofit created by Airbnb, has collaborated with [211 LA County](https://211la.org/) to provide free temporary housing. Airbnb.org focuses on coordinating free or reduced-cost emergency accommodation during emergencies and has previously implemented similar initiatives, such as in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

“Stays are entirely free for guests and are supported by Airbnb.org and the kindness of Airbnb hosts — many of whom provide their homes at no cost or with a discount,” Airbnb mentioned in an [announcement](https://news.airbnb.com/airbnb-org-offers-temporary-housing-to-people-impacted-by-the-los-angeles-wildfires/) released on Wednesday. The agency has also waived all [service fees](https://www.airbnb.com.au/help/article/1857) for both hosts and guests taking part in this program.

### How to Apply for Free Housing

If you have been displaced by the wildfires, you might qualify for free temporary accommodation through Airbnb. To be eligible, you must:

– Live in an evacuation zone and have been compelled to leave due to the fires.
– Be at least 18 years of age.
– Possess an active Airbnb account.

Eligible individuals can apply by completing a [form on 211 LA County’s website](https://care.211cs.org/public-survey/86c5adf88e2a29c103df24ba5f48cd3f6cf9a9171207a15954dbb8b9649429f0). Currently, all available Airbnb spots have been filled, but 211 LA County urges individuals to register in case more accommodations become accessible.

The current focus of Airbnb’s housing assistance is on evacuees from Altadena, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Santa Monica, and Sylmar. However, the company has indicated that it may broaden the program to other regions as necessary.

### How Hosts Can Help

Airbnb hosts who wish to provide free or discounted stays to wildfire evacuees can go to [Airbnb.org](http://Airbnb.org) to join the initiative.

### Public Criticism and Policy Clarifications

While Airbnb’s program has received widespread acclaim, the company has encountered backlash on social media for its management of certain cases surrounding the wildfires. One user, Ana Mostarac, expressed her dissatisfaction on X (formerly Twitter) after Airbnb initially refused to honor her cancellation request for a booking near the [Palisades Fire](https://www.fire.ca.gov/incidents/2025/1/7/palisades-fire) under its [Major Disruptive Events Policy](https://www.airbnb.com.au/help/article/1320).

“To clarify, I contacted Airbnb seeking assistance with rebooking accommodations further from the danger area,” Mostarac noted in a [follow-up post](https://x.com/anammostarac/status/1876933238184419761). “As always, their policies overlooked the context.”

Airbnb later informed [CNN](https://www.cnn.com