Couple Creates ‘Airbnb for Refugees’ to Help Syrians

As residents across Europe ramp up their support for Syrian refugees, one German organization has decided to harness the power of the sharing economy to create what is essentially an “Airbnb for refugees.”

Jonas Kakoschke and Mareike Geiling founded Refugees Welcome late last year and have themselves welcomed a refugee into their home. The couple’s website aims to find living situations for refugees in shared flats or other similar arrangements rather than mass accommodation. So far, the organization operates in Germany and Austria, but the website states that more than 20 countries all over the world are going to be joining the movement soon. Refugees Welcome not only helps identify matches but also aids in paying the rent for the room from a variety of sources, including social welfare payments and donations to the website.

EU citizens continue to provide their time and resources to help the refugees. As more than a thousand Syrians marched from Hungary to Austria, people lined the streets to pass out food and water to everyone. In Munich, refugees arrived to cheering crowds and were provided food, water, and other necessities by volunteers at the central train station. In Iceland, a Facebook page calling for the government to accept more refugees has gained support from more than 12,000 residents. Many Icelanders have offered their own homes for the refugees.

Even for those who may not have a home in Europe to offer as shelter, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Read this guide from The Independent to see how you can help from anywhere in the world.

Also on Yahoo Makers:

Smog ‘Vacuum’ Turns Dirty Air Into Gemstones (for Real!)
Genius Anti-Littering Campaign Puts Cigarette Butts and Gum to Clever Use
This Dad Finds a Remarkable Home for Old, Used Crayons

Let Yahoo Makers inspire you every day! Join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr, and Pinterest.