Airbnb has committed $500 million over five years to its nonprofit arm, Airbnb.org, to expand temporary housing for disaster survivors and medical travelers.
The platform will fund the pledge by donating 10 cents from every booking to help provide up to 1 million nights of free lodging annually.
CEO Brian Chesky rejected claims that the company uses philanthropy to offset the negative impacts of short-term rentals on global housing affordability.
Critics and housing advocates argue that short-term rental platforms exacerbate housing shortages by taking residential units off the market.
Experts note the expanded charitable initiative comes as local governments in locations such as New York City and Spain introduce stricter regulations on short-term rentals.
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Airbnb commits $500 million for emergency stays amid housing crisis criticism
