Airbnb.org Offers Free Emergency Housing to Residents Displaced by Norte Fire

Airbnb's nonprofit arm is activating its emergency housing program for a wildfire in southern California, with a call for hosts to participate.

The Norte Fire is burning in southern Orange County and had burned 570 acres as of Saturday. Mandatory evacuation orders were issued during high winds and warm temperatures. Airbnb.org is working with 211OC, a service of Orange County United Way, to offer emergency housing. "Stays are free for guests and are funded by Airbnb.org and the generosity of donors."

211OC identifies residents who need temporary housing and refers them to Airbnb.org, which provides credits to book a nearby Airbnb stay. Housing is available to residents in areas under mandatory evacuation orders. Residents can call 2-1-1 for help.

How hosts can help

Airbnb hosts can sign up to offer discounted Airbnb.org stays, and donations go entirely toward emergency housing.

Track record

Since its founding in 2020, Airbnb.org has provided more than 128,000 free nights of emergency housing in California, over 78,000 of them after the Los Angeles wildfires in January 2025. Globally it has provided 1.6 million free nights in nearly 140 countries. Airbnb covers its operating costs and earns no money from its stays.