Miami Beach residents displaced by hurricanes and other disasters could qualify for free temporary housing through new agreements between Airbnb.org, Jewish Community Services of South Florida and Volunteer Florida.

The nonprofit, founded by Airbnb, announced the partnerships Aug. 27 to help Miami-Dade County residents find emergency accommodations more quickly after disasters. The agreements are designed to mobilize housing assistance within 24 hours, although placement depends on eligibility and available accommodations.

The initiative was also reported Oct. 3 by Miami's Community Newspapers.

"The best time to strengthen disaster response is before a storm hits," said Christine Chang, director of global programs and operations at Airbnb.org.

Chang said establishing partnerships ahead of major storms would help the organizations coordinate with emergency responders and connect more families with temporary housing.

How Miami Beach residents can access free emergency housing

Under the agreements, Jewish Community Services of South Florida's 211 Miami program and Volunteer Florida will identify residents who need emergency housing and coordinate with local disaster-response organizations.

Airbnb.org will provide eligible residents with access to temporary accommodations through the Airbnb platform, covering the cost of their stays.

Available properties may include kitchens, laundry facilities and pet-friendly accommodations, allowing displaced families to find housing that meets their needs.

Residents cannot apply directly to Airbnb.org for emergency housing. Instead, nonprofit and government partners help determine eligibility and connect qualifying individuals with available accommodations.

Miami Beach residents seeking assistance after a hurricane or other disaster can call 211 to reach the 211 Miami helpline.

The service operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing information and referrals in English, Spanish and Haitian Creole.

Calling 211 does not guarantee an Airbnb.org stay. Housing assistance depends on whether a disaster-response program has been activated, individual eligibility and available accommodations.

Partnership builds on 40,000 nights of emergency housing in Florida

Since 2020, Airbnb.org has provided approximately 40,000 nights of emergency housing to Floridians affected by crises, including hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton in 2024, according to Airbnb's official announcement.

Miriam Singer, president and CEO of Jewish Community Services of South Florida, said the partnership would strengthen support for vulnerable Miami-Dade residents after disasters.

The organization serves more than 100,000 people annually across different ages, faiths and backgrounds. Its 211 Miami program connects callers with community resources, social services and emergency assistance.

Volunteer Florida, the state's lead agency for volunteerism and disaster donations, will help coordinate housing assistance with emergency-response organizations.

Josie Tamayo, CEO of Volunteer Florida, said establishing agreements before disasters occur would improve the state's ability to connect displaced residents with temporary accommodations.

How Airbnb hosts and residents can support disaster relief

Airbnb hosts interested in helping displaced families can participate in Airbnb.org by offering discounted accommodations during emergencies.

The nonprofit uses donations to cover temporary housing costs, allowing eligible guests to stay without paying for their accommodations.

Airbnb covers Airbnb.org's operating expenses, meaning 100% of donations directly support emergency housing.

Residents interested in contributing or learning more about the program can visit Airbnb.org.

For Miami Beach residents seeking disaster assistance, the 211 Miami helpline remains a point of contact for information, referrals and potential connections to emergency housing programs.