Airbnb.org expands support for Kerr County following Central Texas floods

Key Takeaways

• Since July, Airbnb.org has provided free emergency housing for more than 380 people in Central Texas, including people displaced by floods, first responders, and volunteers supporting recovery efforts.
• Airbnb.org is now partnering with the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country to connect people with stays in the next phase of recovery.

Since devastating floods hit Central Texas in July, Airbnb.org—a nonprofit dedicated to providing free, emergency housing in times of crisis—has provided free stays for more than 350 people, including people displaced by flooding, first responders, and volunteers supporting recovery efforts.

To continue our support for Central Texas, Airbnb.org is partnering with the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country. Thanks to a $1.6 million grant from the Community Foundation through the Kerr County Flood Relief Fund, Airbnb.org will provide free housing—both short and longer-term—for Kerr County families who continue to be displaced. 

“Having a safe place to stay is an essential first step in recovery, and Airbnb.org is helping make that possible for families across the Hill Country,” Austin Dickson, CEO of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country said. “Thanks to Airbnb.org’s partnership, families displaced by the floods don’t just have a roof over their heads—they have the comfort and dignity of a home while they rebuild their lives.”

The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country is coordinating with local nonprofits to identify residents in need of temporary housing and refer them to Airbnb.org. 

People impacted by the July 4 floods can request housing support by completing a needs assessment on RebuildKerr.org. Case managers will then connect families with available resources within one week of submission.

Note: Airbnb.org does not offer housing directly to individuals at this time. Those impacted and in need of housing should complete the needs assessment found at rebuildkerr.org.

Soon after the floods started on July 4th, Airbnb.org began work with All Hands and Hearts, a nonprofit organization, to identify people in need of emergency housing and connect them to a free place to stay across Central Texas. Airbnb.org also worked with other local nonprofits, including local chapters of the United Way and Catholic Charities, as well as TEXSAR, to house first responders, search and rescue teams, and families that need to be close to search and rescue operations.

“When we finally got into an Airbnb, it was just such a relief. We were able to process everything. We were able to relax and take a shower after being soaking wet for twelve hours,” said Skylyn English, an Airbnb.org guest. “If Airbnb.org wasn’t able to help me, we would probably be negative  in our bank account paying for all of the local hotels. It’s so helpful to feel like you’re still at home. It was something that we really needed after having such a stressful day and week dealing with everything.” 

Since its founding in 2020, Airbnb.org has provided 1.6 million nights of free, temporary housing to more than 250,000 people. Stays are completely free for guests and are funded by Airbnb.org and the generosity of donors. 100 percent of all donations go directly to providing emergency housing in times of crisis.

Read more about: Community

The Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country works to strengthen the Hill Country by supporting local nonprofits, schools and community initiatives. Through grants, partnerships and endowment management, the Foundation is dedicated to improving the quality of life for families across the region.