Wednesday, January 14, 2026

Emergency Housing ‘Safety Net’ Made Permanent for Altadena in New 211 LA Pact

Following the 2025 wildfires, a $100,000 commitment from Airbnb.org aims to unlock free shelter within 24 hours of a crisis.

The makeshift network that kept thousands of Altadena families off the streets during the Eaton Fire is no longer makeshift.

On Tuesday, Jan. 13, the nonprofit Airbnb.org and 211 LA signed a formal agreement to streamline emergency housing, turning a successful pilot program into a permanent fixture of Los Angeles County’s disaster response. The partnership, backed by $100,000 in housing credits for 2026, sets a new operational goal: mobilizing free listings for displaced residents within 24 hours of a disaster.

“Families deserve stability in the hardest moments of their lives,” said Christoph Gorder, executive director of Airbnb.org, in a statement. “Partnering with 211 LA allows us to mobilize quickly, work hand-in-hand with local responders, and help give more people a free, comfortable place to stay when they need it most.”

The formalized pact builds on the massive relief effort seen during the January wildfires, which ravaged communities in Altadena and Pacific Palisades. During that crisis, the collaboration between the two nonprofits provided shelter for nearly 24,000 people, along with 1,000 first responders and 2,800 pets, according to the partnership announcement.

Under the terms of the new memorandum of understanding, 211 LA — the County’s central information hub — will lead the vetting process. Residents impacted by future disasters will contact 211 to identify their needs, while Airbnb.org will manage the inventory of free homes and fund the stays.

Maribel Marin, executive director of 211 LA, stressed that the variety of housing options was critical for families trying to maintain normalcy.

“During the wildfires, Airbnb.org’s flexible, family-friendly housing options made a real difference for displaced families, children, and even pets,” Marin said. “By formalizing this partnership, we’re ensuring that our community can access practical, responsive support even faster during future emergencies.”

Residents can reach 211 LA for disaster referrals by dialing 211.

For a community still watching the foothills regenerate from the scars of 2025, the agreement offers a different kind of rebuilding: the assurance that if the smoke returns, the shelter will be ready.