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Friday night’s terrorism attacks took place at the same time that Airbnb was hosting a significant event in Paris. Now it’s helping its hosts cover the cost of extended stays of travelers who may be stranded.
According to a statement circulated to Airbnb hosts and guests earlier today, the company is urging hosts to consider “helping those in need” by offering their homes to guests at “little or no cost.”
Update: Airbnb has also activated its disaster response system connecting hosts with people in need of housing late Saturday.
Here’s the statement:
“Dear Airbnb Hosts and Guests,
Today, we are grieving with the people of Paris and the world who are mourning the heartbreaking events that took place last night. And we have been inspired by the hosts in our community who are opening their homes to people affected by these terrible attacks.
If you are able, we hope you will strongly consider helping those who are in need by making your listing available at little or no cost. Also, if you’re an Airbnb host in Paris and your Airbnb guest is experiencing travel delays as they try to leave Paris, you can allow your guest to extend their stay for free.”
We will also be reimbursing all of our service fees for any extended or new reservations as a result of these delays for stays on Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday. You will see the credit in your account within the next week.
The company had been holding its Airbnb Open conference in the Parc de la Villette, where as many as 6,000 had been expected to attend. The location is relatively close — about a 10 to 20 minute drive — from the some of the places attacked. Airbnb cancelled what was to be the third and final day of the event on Saturday.
This article originally appeared on Recode.net.
