The world is a very different place than it was just a few weeks ago. As we continue to adapt to defuse the COVID-19 pandemic that has affected so many people close to our homes, the importance of looking after our communities remains constant. To support our first responders, who risk their lives daily to protect us in these uncertain times, it's important to offer every resource we can. For those on Bainbridge Island with vacant ADUs or homes, there may be opportunities to rent your home (for free or for a fee) to first responders so that they may live separately from their own families in order to keep them safe.
Airbnb’s Frontline Stays Program
As you may be aware, AirBnB, a resilient community of rental property hosts—has launched a program called “Frontline Stays” which allow hosts to open their homes to those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their goal is to house 100,000 COVID-19 workers around the world as a way to help the vulnerable and those affected by this crisis. If you are interested in adding your home to this global AirBnB program, or if you are interested in donating, please click the button below to learn more about their work.
In anticipation of how AirBnB’s initiative will play out in our local area, Bainbridge Prepares, in partnership with Housing Resources Bainbridge, is gathering names of local property owners who are interested in possibly providing this type of temporary housing.
At this time, there is not a local program through Bainbridge Prepares or HRB to connect property owners with first responders, however this may change as conditions change. At this time, we are simply gathering information.
How Bainbridge Island Homeowners Can Help
If you are the owner of a vacant home, rental property or ADU on Bainbridge Island and have interest in offering your property for this purpose, please complete this quick and easy survey:
Alternately you can visit Bainbridge Prepares by clicking HERE and click on “I Want to Give”, then “Donate Items”, and describe the lodging you would be interesting in offering.
If you are interested, in addition to letting us know, please also register your home, rental property or ADU on AirBnB for this purpose.
This is a challenging time, and we appreciate all of the ways in which you are doing your part to lift up others during this crisis. Even as we keep our physical distance from one another, this is a time for us to come together in solidarity.