April 19, 2018 

By Kimberlee Buck 

Contributing Writer 

 

Are you a South Los Angeles resident looking to earn extra income? Find out what it takes to share your space and grow your wallet by becoming an Airbnb host! The history of South L.A. is rich and ever growing. Not only is the city home of the largest street festival in Los Angeles, the Taste of Soul Family Festival, it is also central to some of the best beaches, museums, Black-owned eateries, businesses, and all things L.A! As a result, tourists and visitors keep coming back for more.

 

To help showcase the beauty of the Crenshaw area, and its surrounding cities along with all the unique things it has to offer, Airbnb has partnered with the Los Angeles Sentinel and Taste of Soul to host a community reception. The event will show residents the benefits becoming Airbnb hosts and the impact it has on the lives of people.

 

“Home sharing brings travelers to neighborhoods that don’t typically benefit from tourism and helps to highlight LA’s unique and diverse communities,” said Southern California Policy Manager for Airbnb, John Choi.

 

“We are excited to partner with the Los Angeles Sentinel to help more Angelenos learn how to use what is often their greatest expense, the cost of their housing, to earn extra income.”

 

The reception will be held on Thursday, April 26, from 5:30 – 8:00PM at the Museum of African Art located on the 3rd floor of Macy’s in the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Plaza. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak and hear from local Airbnb hosts about their experiences in dealing with guests from around the world. Also, Airbnb staff will be in attendance to discuss the practical tools you need to become a host. Attendees will also get tips on how to secure payments and creating a listing profile for guests.

 

Earning Extra income 

 

Prior to becoming an Airbnb hosts, many Los Angeles residents were facing eviction or foreclosure in 2017. However, after becoming Airbnb hosts, 6,000 residents reported that they were able to afford staying in the city. According to Airbnb, the average hosts in L.A. earns $9,100 a year from hosting.

 

Airbnb is also doing their part to help local businesses.

 

“In 2017, the Airbnb community generated more than $1.4 billion in economic impact city of Los Angeles. This is significant income for the city, and it is being spread to local businesses and across many parts of the city that don’t typically see as much tourism activity,” said Choi.

 

 “Airbnb guests are a new source of customers for small business at a time when brick and mortar stores are facing growing competition from online retailers. [In fact,] 94 percent of Airbnb hosts recommend local small businesses to their guests.”

 

 Don’t miss out on your opportunity to participate! For more information or to RSVP for the event visit www.lasentinel.net/airbnb or call (323) 299-3800.

Category: Community