Airbnb Steps Up During Hurricane Harvey

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TempAirbnb is offering free rooms for people who had to leave their homes because of Hurricane Harvey. Evacuees won't have to pay fees to hosts through September 25. Originally, the offer was through September 1, but the company extended it after seeing the storm's devastation. Free listings appear for homes in Houston, Dallas, Austin, and San Antonio.

Conditions are explained on Airbnb's Disaster Response site. Currently, the site lists programs for Hurricane Harvey and for the Mumbai floods.

Other sharing companies have stepped up following the hurricane. Uber, Lyft, and WeWork are offering free services and other promotions. 

Discussion:

  • What examples of generosity have you seen during Hurricane Harvey?
  • How should a small business owner decide what to offer? What are the advantages and disadvantages of, for example, a restaurant offering free food?