The City of Chicago announced a new partnership with Airbnb to support residents fleeing violence during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Airbnb has worked through its hotel partners to provide a place to stay for victims needing to flee a violent situation while also connecting them to additional resources. Coordination of this program will be facilitated through the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline which is available to residents 24/7/365 at 877-863-6338 (TTY 877-863-6339) and The Network: Advocating Against Domestic Violence.

Under the State-mandated ‘Stay at Home’ order, access to safe, reliable shelter is more critical now than ever before, to prevent victims from being forced to remain in potentially unsafe environments.  During the month of March alone, calls to the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline increased six percent in the Chicago area, compared to March 2019. In an effort to address this situation, Airbnb and HotelTonight – a member of the Airbnb family – will facilitate places to stay for survivors that call the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline to flee a violent situation. For more information and updates about the City’s response to COVID-19, text COVID19 to 78015, email coronavirus@chicago.gov or visit Chicago.gov/coronavirus.