Jasper wildfire

Roie and Jelly form a lifelong friendship after wildfire

Roie moved to Jasper, Canada from the Philippines to work and live with her sister’s family. She immersed herself in the local community and thought she’d found her ideal place to live.Then, in July, 2024, wildfires devastated the charming mountain town. More than 25,000 people were forced to evacuate and 30% of structures in Jasper were destroyed, including Roie and her sister’s home.

Women stands in an empty lot where her home used to be

Without secure housing, Roie didn’t know what to do next. That’s when she found out about emergency housing through Airbnb.org.Roie was able to book a free Airbnb.org stay with local Superhost, Jelly, who’s lived in Jasper for 40 years. “It was a huge help for me,” Roie said. “It gave me a fresh start.”

“It was like therapy for my soul."

Woman is standing in a home looking into the distance

Roie stayed in Jelly’s home for a month, during which she was able to figure out her long-term plans for staying in Jasper and find relief. “I was able to cook on my own, relax, have coffee in front of the window, see the trains passing by,” she said. “It was like therapy for my soul.”

Two women sitting across from one another talking in a garden.

Roie was one of seven guests Jelly hosted through Airbnb.org, and the two formed a lasting friendship. Today, Roie and her sister are rebuilding their home and looking forward to a new chapter in Jasper.