# Crowdsourced Shelter Platforms The 'Airbnb Disaster Response' Helps Victims Find Free Lodging By Alexander Lam | Published 2013-06-15 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airbnb-disaster-response References: [psfk](http://www.psfk.com/2013/06/airbnb-disaster-relief-housing.html) & [airbnb](https://www.airbnb.ca/disaster-response?locale=en) With all the recent natural disasters, [Airbnb](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airbnb-services) decided to create the 'Airbnb Disaster Response' program to help displaced victims. The platform works just like Airbnb does except for a few exceptions. Properties are listed for free on the site and Airbnb charges no service fees. When disaster strikes, Airbnb plans to rally its host community and ask for generous souls who are willing to offer [free lodging](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tide-loads-of-hope). Victims affected by disaster can then connect on the Disaster Response platform and find emergency lodging. In addition to free housing, Airbnb also hopes the program will help victims find camaraderie and support. The Disaster Response platform was inspired by generous actions during [Hurricane Sandy](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hurricane-relief-initiative). Users began listing their homes for free so that those affected could find a place to sleep for the night. Airbnb decided to help similar actions in the future by formalizing the process. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.0/10 - Popularity: 8% | Activity: 14% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Crowdsourced Shelter Platforms:** Crowdsourced shelter platforms provide free emergency lodging for displaced victims during natural disasters. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Hospitality and Accommodation:** The hospitality and accommodation industry can leverage crowdsourced shelter platforms to offer free lodging to those affected by disasters, building goodwill and community support. - **Technology and Online Platforms:** The technology and online platforms sector can innovate by developing specialized platforms that connect victims with temporary shelters, offering a convenient and efficient solution during times of crisis. - **Disaster Relief Services:** The disaster relief services industry can utilize crowdsourced shelter platforms to streamline the process of finding emergency lodging for displaced victims, ensuring a quicker and more organized response to natural disasters. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Worldwide Service Marketplaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airbnb-services.md) - [Disaster Preparedness Homeowner Solutions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/documenting-for-disaster.md) - [Disaster Relief-Supporting Pr Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/publicity-for-good.md) - [Cohost Homestay Networks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airbnb-cohost-network.md) - [Pop Culture-Inspired Rentals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airbnb-3.md) - [Cost-Effective Housing Exchange Platforms](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-exchange.md) - [Property Co-Host Networks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airbnb-4.md) - [Rent-Free Hotels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/restored-italian-house.md) - [Eco-Friendly Modular Refugee Shelters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/allspace-1.md)