Just two weeks after Hurricane Helene caused widespread destruction throughout the Southeastern U.S., Hurricane Milton has swept through Florida, leaving even more devastation in its wake. Our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted by these storms.
Anyone looking to apply for aid or donate to relief efforts can find relevant information below.
Where to apply for relief
The following organizations are currently providing relief to those impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton:
- Airbnb.org: Airbnb.org has partnered with local nonprofits to offer free temporary housing in several U.S. states for people who’ve been displaced by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Stays are completely free for guests and are funded by Airbnb.org and the generosity of Airbnb hosts.
- DisasterAssistance.gov: You can apply for assistance and learn how to access shelters provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) here.
- The Red Cross: Locate open shelters and disaster relief services, including food and water, physical and mental health services, charging stations for cell phones and medical devices, emergency supplies, and more.
- Feeding Tampa Bay: Find food assistance options, including mobile grocery locations, food pantries, and benefits assistance.
- Metro Ministries: At-risk families and individuals can get help securing food, housing, and supplies.
How to help
There are various ways you can give back during this time of need.
For those interested in offering free or discounted stays to people impacted by Helene and Milton, visit Airbnb.org for more information on how to sign up to host. Airbnb waives all service fees for Airbnb.org hosts and guests, and hosts receive damage protection and liability insurance with AirCover for each booking.
You can also donate to the following organizations:
- Airbnb.org, as we explained above, is supporting emergency housing for Hurricanes Helene and Milton and matching 100% of one-time donations until November 1.
- The Red Cross is working to support evacuees and reunite families and friends.
- The Florida Disaster Fund is distributing donations to service organizations that help people with disaster response and recovery.
- Feeding Tampa Bay is connecting residents with hot meals, water, hygiene materials, and other support.
- Metro Ministries is helping at-risk families with food, housing, and other essential services and supplies.
- The Humane Society of the United States is transporting cats and dogs to safe locations and assisting devastated animal shelters.
Cancellation policies to be aware of
Vacation rental reservations impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton may be eligible for cancellations and refunds. Here’s what to know about Airbnb and Vrbo’s cancellation policies.
Airbnb’s cancellation policy for Hurricanes Milton and Helene
Airbnb has activated its Major Disruptive Events Policy for severely impacted areas of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee. This means that, for eligible stays in these areas, hosts can cancel without consequences and guests can cancel for a refund.
To check whether your bookings are eligible for cancellation, visit the Trips page in your Airbnb account. You can also reach out to Airbnb’s customer support team with any questions.
Vrbo’s cancellation policy for Hurricanes Milton and Helene
Vrbo has activated its Extenuating Circumstances Policy for severely impacted areas in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida. This means you must provide full refunds for impacted reservations that haven’t yet begun, and partial refunds for trips already underway, regardless of your typical cancellation policy.
Guests who are covered by the policy will receive an email directly from Vrbo outlining next steps.
Learn more about Vrbo’s cancellation policy for Hurricane Helene here and its policy for Hurricane Milton here.
Are you a vacation rental host in an area regularly impacted by hurricanes? Read our blog to learn more about how to prepare to protect your guests and properties.
And for everyone recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton, we hope you’re able to use the above resources, lean on the support available, and look out for your physical and mental health in the meantime. Stay safe and take care.