An Inspiring Sandy Tale – Company Hooks Stranded Up With Free Rooms

Though Hurricane Sandy's aftermath was traumatic to say the least, we had some uplifting moments thanks to inspiring good Samaritans. This disaster revealed some real-life heroes, tales of heroism, and plain 'ole generosity that served as a constant reminder of the amazing community here in NYC, and those outside of the city keeping us in their thoughts. From retailers donating to The American Red Cross, to individuals making contributions, to large corporations handing out free power and hot water, the philanthropic spirit seemed to blossom in the best way possible.

One awesome example? San Francisco-based community marketplace Airbnb, a reliable resource for people around the world who want to list, discover, and book accommodations. The company's site says it best: “Whether it's an apartment for a night, a castle for a week, or a villa for a month, Airbnb connects people to unique travel experiences, at any price point, in more than 26,000 cities and 192 countries."

Well, this week, they gave us a big reason to start using their services: Airbnb made the decision to waive all booking fees for both guests and hosts in certain areas affected by Hurricane Sandy – New York, the Hamptons, Providence, New Haven, and Atlantic City – for reservations starting between October 31 and November 7 and lasting up to seven nights. They have urged hosts to lower their prices during this difficult time and applaud individuals like Shell, an Airbnb host in Brooklyn who offered her five guests rooms to stranded travelers and locals for free. She's got the space, she's got the awesome roommate, and now it's all yours at a discounted price — if that aint the heart of NYC folks, we're not sure what is.

If you know of anyone searching for a place to stay, consider directing them to Airbnb. They’re sure to find inspiring individuals and spaces all willing to lend a hand.