January 13, 2025, Los Angeles, California.
AFP (via Getty Images)
More than a week after a wildfire broke out in the Pacific Palisades on the morning of January 7, the city of Los Angeles is still struggling to provide shelter to thousands of residents left homeless.
To make matters worse, Los Angeles' rental market is already considered very expensive, and rents qualify as price gouging under California law that “prohibits rent increases of more than 10% during a state of emergency.” price increases have been reported. Mayor Karen Bass is reportedly trying to make 1,200 more housing units available over the next week or so, and has announced the opening of FEMA recovery centers in Pasadena and West Los Angeles, but that probably won't be enough. Probably. Meanwhile, Airbnb.org, a nonprofit crisis relief organization founded in 2020 by vacation rental companies and some hotel groups, is stepping in to help.
Airbnb.org expands support
On January 10, Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky pledged to provide free emergency housing to displaced residents through Airbnb.org. “Today, Airbnb is committed to helping house 25,000 more people affected by the fires, including survivors, evacuees, first responders, and firefighters. We will continue to do everything we can to support the Los Angeles community.”
Since last Friday, Airbnb.org reports it has already rescued 25,000 people and more than 6,000 pets. In a statement to Forbes this morning, the company said it was redoubling its efforts. “There are still many families and first responders in need of support. As Airbnb.org reaches this milestone, we are increasing our goal to provide an additional 50,000 free nights with a focus on supporting long-term stays.” I did.”
Displaced residents can apply for accommodation by filling out the Airbnb.org Emergency Support Form. Airbnb.org has partnered with 211LA, a nonprofit health and human services provider for LA County, to review and approve applications on a first-come, first-served basis.
The hotel that helped me
All eyes are on Los Angeles right now, and it's important that hotels in the region do not gouge prices at this time and act as shelters and safe havens where possible. And as long as possible.
The Los Angeles Hotel Association is currently working with Google to provide up-to-date data about hotels in the area that appear on Google Maps. Filter hotels in a new tab titled “Offers for Displaced Persons'' to identify hotels offering discounted accommodations to people evacuated by wildfires.
As of January 15, there are more than 340 vacant properties available for fire evacuees. Click here for a complete list of hotels (courtesy of the Hotel Association of Los Angeles (HALA)).
Hilton, Marriott, and Hyatt brands are all participating, as are several IHG Hotels & Resorts brand hotels. From iconic brands like celebrity-favorite Chateau Marmont on Sunset Boulevard, which is temporarily offering free boards, to the low-cost surf lodge at SCP (Seoul Community Planet) Hotel, Independent brands are also participating. SCP Seven4One and Laguna Surf Lodge will extend their 20% discount through January, according to staff.
“Hotels are currently hosting thousands of Angelenos who were evacuated by the Palisades, Eaton, and Hearst fires. Many hotels are offering guests discounts and essential items such as amenities they may have forgotten during the evacuation. Many hotels are accepting pets. Our hotels are also donating bedding and personal items to temporary shelters,” HALA said in a January 8, 2025 statement. mentioned in.
For those who wish to donate, the American Red Cross is working with partners to provide shelter, food, emotional support and medical services to victims of the Los Angeles fires. You can support the Red Cross by donating online, calling (800) 733-2767 or texting REDCROSS to 90999.
Note: Hotel availability and conditions vary by accommodation. We recommend contacting the hotel directly for more information and reservations.
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