Los Angeles Wildfire Evacuees Receive Support from Airbnb, Uber, and Lyft

As Southern California grapples with devastating wildfires, major companies like Airbnb, Uber, and Lyft have stepped up to assist displaced residents. These initiatives aim to provide immediate relief to those affected by the fires.​

Airbnb's Emergency Housing Initiative

Airbnb.org, the nonprofit arm of Airbnb, has partnered with 211 LA to offer free temporary housing to wildfire evacuees. This program focuses on residents from areas such as Altadena, Malibu, Pacific Palisades, Pasadena, Santa Monica, and Sylmar who have been forced to evacuate or have lost their homes. Through this collaboration, affected individuals can connect with Airbnb hosts offering free or discounted stays, funded by Airbnb.org and generous hosts. Evacuees seeking housing can complete an intake form through 211 LA to access these accommodations. ​

Ride-Sharing Services Provide Free Transportation

In addition to housing support, ride-sharing companies Uber and Lyft are offering free rides to help evacuees reach shelters and safe locations:​

• Uber: Provides free rides up to $40 for evacuees traveling to designated shelters. Users must apply the promo code "WILDFIRE25" in the Wallet section of their Uber app before requesting a ride.

• Lyft: Offers two free rides, up to $25 each (totaling $50), for 500 riders. Evacuees can redeem this offer by using the promo code "CAFIRERELIEF25" in their Lyft app. ​

Both companies have ensured that driver earnings will not be affected by these free rides.

Community and Corporate Support

The response from these companies reflects a broader community effort to support those impacted by the wildfires. Local organizations and businesses are also contributing resources and assistance to aid evacuees during this challenging time.​

Accessing Assistance

Evacuees seeking temporary housing through Airbnb can contact 211 LA for assistance with the intake process. For transportation needs, affected individuals should enter the respective promo codes in their Uber or Lyft apps before requesting rides to ensure the discounts are applied.​