How a refugee family from Iraq started over in Denver
Highlights
Through Airbnb’s Open Homes program, Susan was contacted about hosting Mousa, a refugee from Iraq
Susan and her husband welcomed Mousa, his wife, and two sons in their home in Denver
The experience turned strangers into family
Open Homes is now Airbnb.org
Airbnb's Open Homes program has evolved into Airbnb.org, a brand-new 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Thank you for creating the Open Homes community with us. We're excited for you to be a part of this new chapter.
When the International Rescue Committee contacted Susan, an Open Homes host in Denver, about hosting Mousa, a refugee from Iraq, she instantly said yes. The experience was transformative for both of them.
Mousa had been working as an interpreter for the U.S. when he received death threats—so he and his family left their home in Iraq for the unknown. It took a while to adjust, but his fear faded as he formed a new family with Susan and her community in Denver.
“The minute you engage with the person that you once perceived as a stranger, you realize that people are just people,” says host Susan. “The commonality that we have is far greater than the differences.”
Join a growing community that unlocks the power of sharing during times of need.
Information contained in this article may have changed since publication.