Absolutely Colorado: Airbnb provides housing to ‘Aspen Acres’ fire victims, first responders

PUEBLO COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) -- People impacted by the "Aspen Acres" fire have seen an outpouring of support locally and from larger organizations across the United States. 

Airbnb.org, which is a non-profit set up by Airbnb, teamed up with Mile High United Way to help those impacted by the "Aspen Acres" fire, and other fires across Colorado, to provide housing for both people who were evacuated and first responders working to get the fire under control. 

The non-profit has also helped victims of wildfires in Los Angeles, flooding in central Texas and hurricanes in the Caribbean, according to their website.

"We want to provide them housing so that they have somewhere safe and comfortable to be with their families while they are figuring out their next steps," says Christine Chang, director of global programs & operations. "For first responders, an Airbnb home can also provide a great home base for them. It's a hard job; they have to go in and help people, and we think that when we are providing housing for first responders, it has a multiplying effect in helping the community recover as well."

All the funding for the non-profit is provided entirely by Airbnb. They team up with local organizations to help assign those resources to people in need. 

According to Airbnb.org, they have already given over 400 nights of free stays for people impacted by the "Aspen Acres" fire and first responders.

Donations can be made directly to Airbnb.org, to the United Way of Southern Colorado or to Mile High United Way's 211 Help Center which is a statewide service.

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