Are you funded by anyone?

No, this is a solo project aided by the kindness and generosity of many individuals. There are no companies or organisations attached to it.

 

Are there any charges for your service?

No, the service is entirely free to use.

 

Can I make donations?

Currently the mission of this project doesn't facilitate direct donations. That said, we are sure there are many charities and groups doing wonderful relief work for the Paris crisis, and we will create a page with a list on the website soon.

 

Booking a space

 

I want to book a space, do I have to pay anything?

No, and people who list their spaces are required not to have any hidden costs. The stay is entirely free.

 

Do I have to live in Paris to be eligible for this service?

While we completely understand that what happens in a city impacts an entire nation, we currently wish to keep this service open to the people who have been in closest proximity to the recent tragedies. 

 

How do I inquire about a space?

First, go to 'Find a Place.' There you will find all of the available listings and dates. The listings will each specify the city, how many people can be accommodated, and what type of accommodation is available, as well as how to secure booking.

 

What do I need to book?

You will be asked to provide verification of your identity, as well as some details about yourself. This is done both for your safety and the hosts'. The verifications will be kept confidential and not disclosed to the host, and the introduction you write will be passed along to them.

 

Do you make the bookings?

No, once you submit your interest, I will contact the host and finalise the booking. Hosts are required to respond within 24hrs, so you will have an answer soon.

 

Can you help with travel costs?

Unfortunately, due to the small nature of this project, we are unable to either provide or ask our hosts for helping with travel costs. 

 

What about pets?

Unless listed as 'pets welcome' , pets are not allowed at any of the listings.

 

Can I stay longer than three nights?

This option might change, but currently we are trying it out this way in case we have a larger number of requests than availability. 

 

I am being told not to travel. Can I still use your service?

This service is offered strictly in accordance with legal rules and guidelines. We would never endorse or knowingly support the breaking of any laws, including those related to travel restrictions. 

 

Listing the Space

 

I want to list my space, can I make any money using your site?

Absolutely not. This is a humanitarian effort, if you list your space you will be required to agree not to charge anything for your space, and to be explicit about what your accommodation includes and does not.

 

Do you offer an incentive for volunteering a space?

No, this is about exchanging from the heart. That said, when each listing expires we will put it on another page, and then you may give your name if you wish, as well as a line or two about yourself, or choose to remain anonymous. Sometimes people like to put a face to who is kind to them, this is why we offer this.

 

Can I donate by purchasing a stay in a hotel room, guest house, rented apartment, etc?

Yes, please provide us with the name of one or all of the properties you are willing to purchase lodging for, the country and city they are located in, as well as the total number of evenings. We are currently not accepting offers to book on Air BnB, as this might create communication issues between the host, you and the person or people you are attempting to reserve for. The purchasing of any lodging, we ask, be handled by you, and with clear communication between you and the guest. We will still require all of the verifications as we would a regular host.

 

Can I just offer my place without reigstering?

Of course, but you may not claim to do so with the support or endorsement of Open Doors for Paris. Registering as a host is a protective measure we take very seriously. If you claim to list your space in any manner of association with our service without being registered we will pursue legal action.

 

Do I need to offer a whole flat/space?

No, you can offer a room, even a couch if that is what you can give. Don't be afraid to get in touch and ask.

 

Do I need to pay for anything for the guests?

No, the guests are asked to pay for their own travel and essentials. That said, we ask that you not charge the guests for things like water or heating. 

 

Can I offer my space for longer than three nights?

Yes, we will simply create multiple bookings to accommodate the additional nights if necessary, but you will not be required to do anything extra. The maximum amount of time a single guest can book, however, will still remain three nights.

 

Where do I need to live to offer my space?

Currently we are accepting listings from any country within the European Union.

 

Will you accept anyone to host?

No, to list your space you will need to provide certain verifications of your identity. These are kept confidential but will be needed to verify your identity.

 

Will you publish my address on this website?

Absolutely not. We follow the discretionary approach of Air BnB, which lists the city and area, but only gives the specific address once the booking is made.

 

I Air BnB my place, can I contribute?

Of course! We would not recommend attempting to reserve directly through Air BnB, however, as there are usually associated cleaning and service fees. We would instead recommend you block out the nights on your calendar and let us know the dates that are available.

 

Do I have to accept every guest that applies?

Of course not. Comfort and trust that runs both ways is essential to this process. You will not be penalized for saying 'no' to an inquiry.

 

Does the guest apply to me directly?

No, the guest makes an initial application through this website and if the application is deemed in line with what you offer you will be contacted with the request by the website. You will then respond to Open Doors with either your decision or a request for more information. 

 

How long do I have to make a decision if a guest inquires?

Hosts have  24 hours to make a decision about a guest; if the host does not respond either way, a warning will be issued. If the host ignores a second inquiry, they will be considered an unfit host for the sensitive needs of this service and will be removed.