Homeless and housing activists have taken their protests and advocacies in Airbnb's headquarters in San Francisco the day before voters cast their sides on the local debate over housing affordability on November 3.
In a report by theguardian.com, the activists are supporting the tighter regulations on short- term rental properties such as Airbnb which is a vacation rental company. The regulations program is called Prop F. Protesters have been banging drums and holding their signs up while shouting "Stop the evictions, stop the greed." The activists want Airbnb to be responsible on the effects of its business to the local communities who are suffering from housing crisis.
Leslie Dreyer, an artist and organizer with the Housing Rights Committee, said "We're sending the message that [Airbnb] has to follow the law like everyone else. There's a broad array of problems but it's based on a culture of entitlement where they don't have to follow the law."
According to the report "Prop F is considered one of the more controversial initiatives of this season's elections. If it passes, the measure will enforce new limits on the number of days short term rental properties can be offered yearly and require the companies to report the rates charged and durations of stays."
According to sfweekly.com, activist Maria Zamudio, an organizer, said "There are over 3,000 homeless children in San Francisco. Airbnb's practice of turning homes into hotels is exacerbating those conditions."
During their protests, the activists have laid out tables and handed out free pizzas for the homeless as part of their campaign of showing their resolve regarding the matter. Jennifer Friedenbach of the Coalition on Homelessness also added "Eviction is the driving force of homelessness."
After 90 minutes of protest inside the office's atrium, the activists have left and a spokesperson from Airbnb declined to release a comment despite of his presence during the movement. San Francisco police officers and the office's security were lenient with the protesters as they have observed the campaign but did not arrest anyone.
What is your take on the upcoming voting for Prop F? Are in favor of it and why? Share it in the comments!
