Hotels in metro Los Angeles are continuing to mobilize by providing housing for thousands displaced by wildfires, with many offering complimentary or reduced-rate accommodations for those affected and emergency personnel.
Hilton and American Express announced Wednesday that they are offering 20,000 hotel room nights at no charge, joining a growing list of organizations providing shelter. Along with these two companies, Airbnb is partnering with 211 LA, a community hub for Los Angeles County, to coordinate the distribution of emergency housing for individuals displaced by the wildfires.
The Hotel Association of Los Angeles (HALA) and Santa Monica Travel & Tourism have compiled lists of available hotels in Southern California to assist nearly 180,000 residents included in evacuation orders.
The list will be updated yet may not accurately reflect current availability, a HALA spokesperson told CNN – residents are encouraged to contact hotels to find out about available discounts.
For context: Southern California’s already challenging housing market is poised for further strain as thousands of families affected by the wildfires seek shelter, potentially for years to come. Real estate experts told CNN that the influx of demand from fire victims, combined with a dwindling supply of available homes, is likely to drive up both rental and purchase prices significantly.
California law prohibits significant price increases on critical items, including rental housing, home repairs, emergency supplies like water and batteries, and medical necessities. Building materials such as lumber and tools, as well as gasoline and transportation tickets, are also protected under this legislation.
Businesses may raise prices by no more than 10% during emergencies unless they can provide valid justification for higher costs, according to Los Angeles County Consumer and Business Affairs.
