Sharing community: Airbnb.org’s Afghan refugee program

Airbnb.org stays offer a space to rest and recover for Afghan refugees.

Today we're celebrating the first anniversary of Airbnb.org, a 501c(3) nonprofit organization that provides a place to stay for people in times of crisis.

This year Airbnb.org committed to providing temporary housing for 20,000 Afghan refugees. Thousands of Airbnb Hosts have opened their homes for free or at a discount, welcoming refugees as they get resettled in new places around the world.

When she heard about the thousands of refugees fleeing Afghanistan, Melissa was eager to help. She offered an Airbnb.org stay to a family of seven, and connected with her guests through nature and games.

“I showed the children and mother the different birds you can see here,” Melissa says. "It’s nice to see kids playing in the yard, families cooking and playing with my board games."

After fleeing Afghanistan, Shaheen received an Airbnb.org stay that gave him space to rest and recover. Leaving home has been a difficult journey, but he says he finds comfort in getting outside, meditating, and being creative. He takes walks in a park near his new home, sits at the harbor, and photographs mountains, trees, and flowers. Later, he uses the photos as references for his paintings.

“I feel like I’m staying in my own house. I cook by myself and I am enjoying this new style of life,” Shaheen says. “Even though I don't know this area, I don't know the people, I feel 100 percent safe and I am happy here.”

The generosity of Airbnb.org Hosts constantly inspires us. We're so grateful for this first year together supporting Airbnb.org, and can’t wait to see what next year brings.

See the full article here.

I was the EP for this multi location photo and video shoot in Virginia and Texas.