Airbnb donates to combat human trafficking

El Paso—Airbnb announced a $225,000 investment to support anti-human trafficking and domestic violence prevention efforts across Texas, bringing together state legislators, community leaders, and local Airbnb hosts in El Paso. The donation will be distributed across four Texas nonprofit organizations on the front lines of these efforts: 

Unbound Now, headquartered in Fort Worth, TX, Unbound Now is dedicated to ending human trafficking through prevention, training and survivor advocacy, serving 46 counties across Texas.

United Against Human Trafficking (UAHT), based in Houston, TX, leads collaborative efforts across Greater Houston to prevent exploitation, support survivors, and strengthen community responses through education, advocacy, and cross-sector partnerships.

Paso Del Norte Center of Hope, based in El Paso, TX serves the border communities, providing comprehensive services including emergency shelter, legal advocacy, counseling and long-term management to survivors of human trafficking and sexual assault. 

Center Against Sexual and Family Violence, based in El Paso, TX provides a critical safety net for crisis intervention, shelter, legal advocacy, and counseling to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and human trafficking in the region.

“Human trafficking isn't always visible,” said Texas State Senator César J. Blanco. “It can occur in our neighborhoods, businesses, and communities without people realizing what's happening. As Texas prepares to welcome visitors from around the world for major events like the FIFA World Cup, raising awareness and supporting survivors is more important than ever.”

The $225,000 Texas donation is part of the Airbnb Community Fund, a global initiative launched in 2020 with a goal of distributing $100 million to communities worldwide through 2030. Through the Fund, Airbnb aims to work closely with local stakeholders and its host community to direct funding to organizations making a real difference in supporting initiatives helping local communities. In El Paso, Airbnb’s host community led the way in selecting the two local organizations to receive funding. 

“We come together to help address the critical issue of human trafficking in Texas; uplift the organizations tirelessly doing this work across the state; and unite in our commitment to work to protect the most vulnerable among us,” said Ricco Garcia, Airbnb spokesperson. 

This donation is the latest example of Airbnb's broader commitment to help fight human trafficking and exploitation worldwide. Since 2020 Airbnb has donated to over 50 organizations across 17 countries focused on helping to combat trafficking, exploitation, and abuse. 

In February, Airbnb partnered with ECPAT International to launch a free educational tool, designed to help hosts recognize and report potential child exploitation. Airbnb has also worked with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime through the Safe Travel Initiative and the Polaris Project on host education for major events and is supporting the It's a Penalty campaign to help communities stay informed and vigilant during the upcoming tournament. 

“This gift represents far more than funding. It creates safety for people in crisis, provides hope and healing for survivors rebuilding their lives, and strengthens our ability to prevent exploitation and help more survivors reclaim their futures,” said Susan Peters, Founder and CEO of Unbound Now. 

"These funds are crucial to ensuring that survivors of sexual and family violence continue to receive the safety, support, and services they deserve" said Sandra Nevarez Garcia, executive director of Center Against Sexual and Family Violence

SOURCE Airbnb