Hilton and American Express have announced that they are donating 20,000 free hotel nights to residents displaced by the Los Angeles wildfires in partnership with local non-profit organization 211 LA. Ranked among the most destructive fires in California’s history, the Eaton and Palisades fires have destroyed entire communities and forced hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate.
To help provide temporary emergency housing for evacuees, a whole host of hotel and vacation rental companies are offering free and discounted stays to impacted residents. Over the past week, 211 LA has provided temporary housing to more than 30,000 people affected by the LA fires and provided seven-day Airbnb credits to 7,776 households. Over 10,000 households are still seeking emergency housing, according to the nonprofit.
Los Angeles fire victims who have been displaced from their homes can apply for free Hilton hotel rooms and Airbnbs through 211 LA’s online application. A full list of hotels offering discounted stays can be found here, courtesy of the Hotel Association of Los Angeles.
“In times like these, our founder’s belief that hospitality can be a force for good carries even greater meaning and makes our responsibility to those we serve even more urgent,” Christopher J. Nassetta, the president and CEO of Hilton, said in a statement. “We are actively in touch with all hotels in the area and are incredibly grateful to our team members who have already gone above and beyond to support the community and each other.”
How to apply
Local non-profit 211 LA has partnered with Airbnb.org, American Express, and Hilton to coordinate the distribution of emergency housing for people displaced by the LA wildfires. You can apply online on their website. (If you already applied through 211 LA before Hilton’s most recent announcement, you do not need to apply again.)
Completing the form does not guarantee a stay, 211 LA notes, as a limited number of emergency housing resources are available. In order to receive free emergency housing, you must have been displaced from your physical home due to the recent fires and you must currently reside in an evacuation zone. An applicant’s evacuation zone will be verified prior to approval.
The application also includes questions on the degree of your property’s damage; the number of children, adults, and pets in your household; your employment status; your typical monthly household income; if you own a small business impacted by the fire; and if you are a first responder.
How to help
You can donate directly to 211 LA’s critical fire relief efforts here.
Hilton Honors members can also support LA fire relief efforts by donating their loyalty points to support the American Red Cross, the Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation, and other nonprofit organizations. You can donate your points here.
You can also donate to Airbnb.org to help cover the cost of free Airbnb housing.