Airbnb lends help to those strangled on the other side of the US

In the light of US President's latest move to ban the citizens of seven Muslim-majority countries from entering the US, the Airbnb CEO Brian Chesky launched a web page to help connect those affected by the ban with accommodation.

Airbnb is providing free housing to refugees and anyone not allowed in the US. Stayed tuned for more, contact me if urgent need for housing

— Brian Chesky (@bchesky) January 29, 2017

The company is aiming to help immigrants or green card holders stuck outside of the U.S. After Trump's ban announcement on Friday, many travellers, legal residents from restricted countries were detained in U.S. airports or blocked from boarding U.S.-bound planes. “Our focus is on providing housing to people who have been negatively impacted by President Trump’s executive order, particularly people who were travelling to the U.S. and are now stranded,” a spokesperson said. “We are responding to requests from individuals who have reached out to us directly and we are also working with relief organisations to further identify people in need of temporary housing due to the travel ban.” The company will use its 'disaster response program', which allows the hosts to offer housing to people displaced by natural disasters and to aid workers. The company claims "It has matched up to $1 million in donations to the UN Refugee Agency and that its disaster response program has made over 3,000 nights of free housing available to aid workers." In his Facebook post, Chesky wrote, "Not allowing countries or refugees into America is not right, and we must stand with those who are affected." He further added "We have 3M homes, so we can definitely find people a place to stay. For more details, please reach me directly at brian.chesky@airbnb.com."

@Drew_Tran Thanks for your support. Opening doors will help bring US all together. We will be providing more info in the days ahead. — Airbnb Help (@AirbnbHelp) January 29, 2017

Those who want to offer free housing can sign up here.

Along with tech leaders like Netflix CEO Reed Hastings, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also condemned the ban and invited all affected by the announcement. Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted: “To those fleeing persecution, terror & war, Canadians will welcome you, regardless of your faith. Diversity is our strength #WelcomeToCanada”

Lyft has also pledged a $1 million donation to the ACLU, which has fought the travel ban, whereas Uber has committed funds to aid impacted drivers.