The world’s largest community driven hospitality company partners with the NAACP for launch of program in Chicago
Airbnb joined the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) in Chicago to announce its newest regional partnership, designed to create economic empowerment opportunities for underserved communities. The Chicago announcement is the third regional launch of 2019, following announcements earlier this year in Atlanta and Seattle.
“In Chicago, more than 90 percent of Airbnb listings are outside of The Loop. Today’s partnership announcement is another way to ensure Chicagoans from all communities and all neighborhoods can open their homes and that guests can see all the city has to offer. We are very excited for our partnership with the NAACP in Chicago and to work together so that communities of color have the information needed to share their home, lead an Airbnb Experience, learn about supplier diversity, and apply for career opportunities at the company,” said Janaye Ingram, Airbnb’s Director of National Partnerships.
“This partnership with Airbnb is an opportunity for Black families across Chicago to earn valuable extra income in a way that works for them. Chicagoans can use the income they earn on Airbnb to pay the bills, start their own business, or save for retirement. NAACP is committed to economic justice and to building wealth in the Black community and this is one way that people can get ahead and put more money in their pockets,” said Rose Joshua, President of NAACP in Chicago.
The Airbnb-NAACP partnership includes a series of commitments:
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Community Outreach & Education. Local NAACP chapters will work with Airbnb to launch a grassroots, community-based campaign to educate more people on the economic benefits of hosting and bringing more travelers to communities of color. The campaigns will include a series of in-person community meetings, online and offline outreach efforts, and educational campaigns on issues regarding fair and affordable housing.
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A Diverse Employee Base. Increasing diversity in its workforce is a key priority for Airbnb, with the company continuing to work toward greater workforce diversity. NAACP will provide support and guidance as Airbnb works toward reaching its goal to achieve 13 percent representation of underrepresented minorities in the US by the first quarter of 2020.
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Supplier Diversity. NAACP will serve as an adviser to Airbnb’s Supplier Diversity Program to better connect Airbnb with diverse businesses who can help meet the growing company’s needs. Airbnb has set a goal that 10 percent of its total procurement spend goes to suppliers owned by underrepresented communities, women, veterans, members of the LGBTQ community, and businesses in Historically Underutilized Business Zones by the end of 2019.
“Hosting on Airbnb provides a very nice income for me to use any way I chose, and I love meeting people from all walks of life. My guests are business travelers, baseball fans, music festival goers, and job seekers. At a time when there is so much darkness and divisiveness in this world, I also appreciate the way Airbnb is breaking down barriers and helping people better understand each other,” said Airbnb host Anita Strange-Rebecchi.
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