Airbnb says it will temporarily house 20,000 Afghan refugees to help with "humanitarian crisis"

Airbnb announced on Tuesday morning that its nonprofit, Airbnb.org, will provide temporary housing to 20,000 Afghan refugees, as the U.S. and its allies race to find ways to home thousands of people fleeing Afghanistan after the Taliban's takeover. The company said in a statement that it had become "abundantly clear" that the refugees are facing a "significant humanitarian crisis." 

The cost of the temporary housing will be funded by contributions to the company's non-profit organization, as well as Airbnb co-founder and CEO Brian Chesky. Airbnb said it was working with resettlement agencies and partners to house the refugees.  "As tens of thousands of Afghan refugees resettle around the world, where they stay will be the first chapter in their new lives," Chesky said in a statement. "For these 20,000 refugees, my hope is that the Airbnb community will provide them with not only a safe place to rest and start over, but also a warm welcome home."