UPDATE: Due to extremely high demand, all Airbnb.org emergency housing credits distributed through United Way of Greater Nashville’s 2-1-1 call center have now been fully allocated.
United Way said its team is contacting individuals still in the queue and continues working to connect residents with other available resources. Anyone who needs assistance is encouraged to visit nashvilleresponds.com or call 2-1-1 to complete a needs tracker.
More information is available in United Way of Greater Nashville’s Winter Storm Fern FAQ.
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Airbnb is providing free emergency housing to residents displaced by Winter Storm Fern through its nonprofit arm, Airbnb.org, in partnership with United Way of Greater Nashville.
United Way’s 2-1-1 helpline is identifying residents in need of temporary lodging and submitting approved cases to Airbnb.org. However, officials say demand is currently outpacing available housing credits.
United Way of Greater Nashville said its 2-1-1 call center has experienced unprecedented call volume related to Airbnb.org emergency housing assistance following the storm.
As of noon Friday:
- 70 families have been approved and received Airbnb.org housing credits
- 61 cases are under review and being prioritized based on greatest need
- 175 additional cases are in the queue awaiting review
Individuals who apply for an Airbnb.org credit must first be reviewed and approved. Once approved, households receive notification directly from Airbnb.org via text message and/or email. If someone believes they were approved but has not received a message, they may contact Airbnb Customer Support at 650-249-3243.
United Way said once a household is approved, it may take up to eight hours for the Airbnb.org credit to be issued, though during the initial overnight response, most approvals were processed in less than four hours.
Airbnb.org does not offer housing directly to individuals. Residents impacted by the storm should contact United Way of Greater Nashville by dialing 2-1-1 for assistance.
Anyone interested in supporting displaced residents can visit Airbnb.org to sign up to offer free or discounted stays as an Airbnb.org host or to donate. Airbnb.org says 100% of donations go directly toward connecting people in crisis with emergency housing.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at kelly.broderick@newschannel5.com.
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