![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Once-Travel.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Once in Cape Town <\/a>\u00a0& Once in Joburg<\/a> – South Africa<\/h3>\nWhen you\u2019re recovering from Coronavirus what ya gonna do? Well if you\u2019re Kim from \u2018Once In Cape Town\u2019 hostel you\u2019ll be devising a plan to support medical frontline workers. While in quarantine, Kim set up \u2018Ubuntu Beds\u2019, a service that gives healthcare professionals free and safe places to stay near the hospitals they work in.<\/p>\n
Kim was inspired after joining a Zoom with a doctor in Lombardy, Italy, the Coronavirus epicentre at the time. The doctor talked about the exhaustion of the medical professionals and the need for temporary accommodation near hospitals. This call was the catalyst in Kim\u2019s fast action in setting up Ubuntu Beds, which now has over 400 accommodation providers signed-up and around 300 registered healthcare workers. This initiative is supporting frontline workers throughout Cape Town and Johannesburg. We\u2019re sure you\u2019ll agree that Kim and her team are hostel heroes.<\/p>\n
Kim told us, \u201cI believe the\u00a0Coronavirus\u202fis a time that tests our humanity, and I have never\u00a0been\u00a0prouder\u00a0to work in hospitality. I feel that hostels and accommodations have always offered a safe space for travellers, and now is our time to shine!\u201d<\/p>\n
In case you didn\u2019t know Ubuntu is a Nguni Bantu term meaning\u00a0humanity and you can follow these amazing humans on Instagram at Ubuntu Beds<\/a> and Once. Travel<\/a>. Not all hostel heroes wear capes!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Auberge.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Auberge NOLA Hostel,\u00a0Louisiana\u00a0<\/a>& Auberge Clarksdale Hostel, Mississippi<\/a> – USA<\/h3>\nInstead of closing their doors completely, these hostels kept their staff on the payroll and set themselves up as a workforce to support front-line workers.<\/p>\n
The staff from Auberge Clarksdale Hostel<\/a> in Mississippi have got crafty in a crisis and turned their hand to mask-making. They\u2019re supplying local hospitals and care homes with these handmade masks, and to vulnerable members in their community too. While the team at Auberge NOLA Hostel<\/a> in New Orleans, Louisiana have also become a well-oiled mask-making production line, supporting a local organisation that gives free residential care to those with substance misuse disorders. When these guys aren\u2019t making masks, they\u2019re volunteering in various community-based projects helping locals access aid and supporting a local food bank.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Hostel heroes supporting communities<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Mango-Tree-Rocinha-9-002.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Mango Tree Hostel<\/a> \u2013 Brazil<\/h3>\nUsually filled with carefree backpackers, enjoying a caipirinha or two in this idyllic Rio location, the team at Mango Tree Hostel have been fast to turn their attention to their local community.<\/p>\n
With over 13 million Brazilians living in poverty in Rio\u2019s favelas, the risk of the virus spreading rapidly through densely populated homes that have limited water supplies makes these locals extremely high-risk.<\/p>\n
This hostel\u2019s humble goal is to support 150 families with food and hygiene kits before Brazil reaches its COVID-19 peak at the end of May. They\u2019re working with ACE Projects, a long-term partner to fundraise and distribute. You can support these families by donating here<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/SweetBCN.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Sweet BCN<\/a> \u2013 Barcelona<\/h3>\nThis hostel is doing what it does best and giving those who need it a safe and comfortable place to stay in Barcelona\u2019s Eixample neighbourhood. Partnering with NGO Homeless Entrepreneur<\/a> they\u2019ve helped get 17 locals off the streets and safely into their hostel. These hostel guests have their food, hygiene and medical needs covered. Also, the hostel team are providing life-changing training to help develop personal and professional skills.<\/p>\nThese hostel heroes are taking it in their stride, saying: \u201cThis crisis has given us the opportunity to keep doing what we do, with a different focus, more open and committed.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Bristol-4.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
The Bristol Wing<\/a> \u2013 UK<\/h3>\nThis boutique hostel was once the city\u2019s police headquarters and the building dates back to the 13th<\/sup> Century. Part of the YMCA group, they are no strangers to doing good things for people and the planet. During the current crisis, the guys at The Bristol Wing<\/a> hostel have handed over their whole building to support rough sleepers in the UK city. Homeless charity St Mungo\u2019s<\/a> are working with Bristol Council to make sure no one is on the streets during the pandemic.<\/p>\n\u201cAs we left, it still felt like The Bristol Wing, just with a different set of humans in the bedrooms and behind the desk. Calm, welcoming and friendly. We will be back when our world finds its new normal again – and we will be spruced up, arms open wide – ready to welcome you to our city.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Haiti.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Haiti Communitere<\/a> \u2013 Port-au-Prince, Haiti<\/h3>\nIn normal times travellers kick back in hammocks as Haiti Communitere sits within a garden filled with mango, coconut and plantain trees. However, this hostel is also a community resource centre and even before the virus hit, they were supporting local NGOs. Born immediately after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti which killed 316,000 people, they\u2019ve since supported over 800 small organisations. Janet at Haiti Communitere explains, \u201cPort-au-Prince, Haiti, is one of the most politically and economically fragile countries in the world and is the poorest country in the Western hemisphere. It is a wonderful country but very unstable. There are constant shocks and crises in this country.\u201d<\/p>\n
Haiti Communitere runs a home for vulnerable women and a project called Non Signifi Non (No Means No) which teaches rape prevention.\u00a0Another organisation they support is Kids Connection Haiti, who help young people coming out of orphanages, by giving them office space and a place to hold large workshops and training sessions. During the Coronavirus pandemic, the team here have taken up mask-making among other activities to continue their valuable community support work.<\/p>\n
When this is all over you know where to book if you want your backpacking budget to make a difference to others.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Myanmar.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
BaobaBed Hostel<\/a>\u00a0– Myanmar<\/h3>\nMuch like the rest of the world, Myanmar is struggling to manage the impact of COVID-19, but it\u2019s also one of the least developed countries. BaobaBed Hostel was set up by a group of young Burmese backpackers and once the crisis hit their country, they shifted gears to give their support to the poorest members of their community. Collaborating with Yangon City Government they\u2019re donating food packages to the most vulnerable people.<\/p>\n
Kai Maung explains the situation they\u2019re facing. \u201cYangon is\u00a0the\u00a0former capital of Myanmar and around 7 million people are living\u00a0here.\u00a0The government asked\u00a0us to stay home for 20 days, even cancelling the New Year Celebrations. We knew\u00a0some of the poor population who live around the city would\u00a0have\u00a0a\u00a0tough time staying home because they\u00a0rely on\u00a0everyday\u00a0income.<\/p>\n
We decided to\u00a0help the government and we gathered rice, oil,\u00a0onions\u00a0and canned tuna and portioned\u00a0it up for\u00a0around\u00a02000 family members. Then we loaded\u00a0the\u00a0truck and delivered\u00a0it to all the families who needed\u00a0this the\u00a0most\u00a0to help them stay at home. We were grateful for our staff who helped\u00a0in any task needed.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Frendz.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Frendz Resort & Hostel in Boracay<\/a> and Frendz Resort & Hostel\u00a0El Nido<\/a>\u00a0– The Philippines<\/h3>\nThe Philippines is a country so many of us know and love, much like Linus, a traveller who has stayed in Frendz Resort & Hostel many times and found himself quarantining there during the COVID-19 outbreak. Working with the hostels, Linus has been helping to coordinate activities that focus on fast and immediate help for people fighting for daily food and critical medications. The local team also identifies people in need not covered by the government programmes.<\/p>\n
The hostel staff are fundraising and ensure that 100% of all donations<\/a> reach people in need in the local communities of El Nido, Palawan and Boracay, Aklan.<\/p>\nLinus tells us, \u201cFrendz Resort & Hostel is very blessed to have guests around the world reaching out to ask how the situation in The Philippines is developing and if they can help somehow. Since we were already regularly giving out food and care packages to all our affected staff families, the idea was born. We realised we could potentially support even more local families. So now we have the lovely Frendz Resort & Hostel Team, the stranded tourists on the ground, and all the \u201cfrendz\u201d around the world working together.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hostel heroes supporting travellers<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.hostelworld.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/05\/Hi-Tehran-002.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Hi Tehran Hostels<\/a> – Iran<\/h3>\nGolnar\u00a0and\u00a0Habibeh\u00a0from\u00a0Hi Tehran Hostels in Iran were the first hostel to reach out to us and let us know that they were opening their doors to stranded travellers as their country\u2019s borders closed. The team\u00a0closed both of\u00a0their\u00a0hostels in Tehran on\u00a0the\u00a01st of March and re-opened them as “Free self-run hostels” for backpackers who found themselves stuck during the ongoing pandemic.<\/p>\n
So far, they\u2019ve hosted over 70 travellers who couldn\u2019t afford accommodation and\u00a0were waiting to go home. The project is still ongoing, with\u00a015 guests\u00a0currently still\u00a0staying with them.\u00a0They\u2019ve even had BBC Radio asking\u00a0them to join\u00a0a podcast interview\u00a0in recognition of their\u00a0work.<\/p>\n
They\u2019re\u00a0also\u00a0running a\u00a0fundraising\u00a0campaign with previous guests, to support local families under extreme financial pressure.\u00a0To raise money, they sold two\u202fpieces of art that they\u00a0had in the hostel, raising\u00a0\u20ac8374. With this cash, they\u00a0were then able to\u00a0provide 160 families\u00a0with\u00a0basic food and sanitary packages. Also, with the help of “SOSA Poverty” NGO and remaining\u00a0money,\u00a0they\u00a0provided the materials and\u00a0a\u00a0workplace to sew\u00a0800+\u00a0cotton masks to be distributed in less privileged\u202fareas\u00a0of Tehran.<\/p>\n
It was Golnar and Habibeh\u2019s quick thinking that inspired us to set up \u2018Beds for Backpackers<\/a>\u2019, an initiative to support stranded travellers around the world. We were humbled, but not surprised when so many hostels signed up to the project and you can check out the generous bunch here<\/a>.<\/p>\nAll hostels are heroes<\/h2>\n
Like we said at the beginning of this post, these hostel heroes are not the only hostels giving so much during this time of crisis, but they do reflect what a community-spirited group they are. If you\u2019d like to support their initiatives please do reach out to them, and if you\u2019d like to make sure that hostels are here for a long time to come you can also Adopt a Hostel<\/a>. By doing so you\u2019ll be helping a hostel keep its doors open and you\u2019ll have a hostel stay banked for when you\u2019re ready to travel again. We hope this post has given you a little faith in humanity and reminded you why we all love hostels.<\/p>\nKeep reading:<\/h2>\n
\ud83c\udf1f Seven destinations where you can help out with wildlife conservation projects<\/a><\/p>\n\ud83c\udf1f Empowering stories from 9 kick-ass female hostel owners<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Auberge NOLA Hostel,\u00a0Louisiana\u00a0<\/a>& Auberge Clarksdale Hostel, Mississippi<\/a> – USA<\/h3>\nInstead of closing their doors completely, these hostels kept their staff on the payroll and set themselves up as a workforce to support front-line workers.<\/p>\n
The staff from Auberge Clarksdale Hostel<\/a> in Mississippi have got crafty in a crisis and turned their hand to mask-making. They\u2019re supplying local hospitals and care homes with these handmade masks, and to vulnerable members in their community too. While the team at Auberge NOLA Hostel<\/a> in New Orleans, Louisiana have also become a well-oiled mask-making production line, supporting a local organisation that gives free residential care to those with substance misuse disorders. When these guys aren\u2019t making masks, they\u2019re volunteering in various community-based projects helping locals access aid and supporting a local food bank.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
Hostel heroes supporting communities<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
Mango Tree Hostel<\/a> \u2013 Brazil<\/h3>\nUsually filled with carefree backpackers, enjoying a caipirinha or two in this idyllic Rio location, the team at Mango Tree Hostel have been fast to turn their attention to their local community.<\/p>\n
With over 13 million Brazilians living in poverty in Rio\u2019s favelas, the risk of the virus spreading rapidly through densely populated homes that have limited water supplies makes these locals extremely high-risk.<\/p>\n
This hostel\u2019s humble goal is to support 150 families with food and hygiene kits before Brazil reaches its COVID-19 peak at the end of May. They\u2019re working with ACE Projects, a long-term partner to fundraise and distribute. You can support these families by donating here<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Sweet BCN<\/a> \u2013 Barcelona<\/h3>\nThis hostel is doing what it does best and giving those who need it a safe and comfortable place to stay in Barcelona\u2019s Eixample neighbourhood. Partnering with NGO Homeless Entrepreneur<\/a> they\u2019ve helped get 17 locals off the streets and safely into their hostel. These hostel guests have their food, hygiene and medical needs covered. Also, the hostel team are providing life-changing training to help develop personal and professional skills.<\/p>\nThese hostel heroes are taking it in their stride, saying: \u201cThis crisis has given us the opportunity to keep doing what we do, with a different focus, more open and committed.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Bristol Wing<\/a> \u2013 UK<\/h3>\nThis boutique hostel was once the city\u2019s police headquarters and the building dates back to the 13th<\/sup> Century. Part of the YMCA group, they are no strangers to doing good things for people and the planet. During the current crisis, the guys at The Bristol Wing<\/a> hostel have handed over their whole building to support rough sleepers in the UK city. Homeless charity St Mungo\u2019s<\/a> are working with Bristol Council to make sure no one is on the streets during the pandemic.<\/p>\n\u201cAs we left, it still felt like The Bristol Wing, just with a different set of humans in the bedrooms and behind the desk. Calm, welcoming and friendly. We will be back when our world finds its new normal again – and we will be spruced up, arms open wide – ready to welcome you to our city.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Haiti Communitere<\/a> \u2013 Port-au-Prince, Haiti<\/h3>\nIn normal times travellers kick back in hammocks as Haiti Communitere sits within a garden filled with mango, coconut and plantain trees. However, this hostel is also a community resource centre and even before the virus hit, they were supporting local NGOs. Born immediately after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti which killed 316,000 people, they\u2019ve since supported over 800 small organisations. Janet at Haiti Communitere explains, \u201cPort-au-Prince, Haiti, is one of the most politically and economically fragile countries in the world and is the poorest country in the Western hemisphere. It is a wonderful country but very unstable. There are constant shocks and crises in this country.\u201d<\/p>\n
Haiti Communitere runs a home for vulnerable women and a project called Non Signifi Non (No Means No) which teaches rape prevention.\u00a0Another organisation they support is Kids Connection Haiti, who help young people coming out of orphanages, by giving them office space and a place to hold large workshops and training sessions. During the Coronavirus pandemic, the team here have taken up mask-making among other activities to continue their valuable community support work.<\/p>\n
When this is all over you know where to book if you want your backpacking budget to make a difference to others.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
BaobaBed Hostel<\/a>\u00a0– Myanmar<\/h3>\nMuch like the rest of the world, Myanmar is struggling to manage the impact of COVID-19, but it\u2019s also one of the least developed countries. BaobaBed Hostel was set up by a group of young Burmese backpackers and once the crisis hit their country, they shifted gears to give their support to the poorest members of their community. Collaborating with Yangon City Government they\u2019re donating food packages to the most vulnerable people.<\/p>\n
Kai Maung explains the situation they\u2019re facing. \u201cYangon is\u00a0the\u00a0former capital of Myanmar and around 7 million people are living\u00a0here.\u00a0The government asked\u00a0us to stay home for 20 days, even cancelling the New Year Celebrations. We knew\u00a0some of the poor population who live around the city would\u00a0have\u00a0a\u00a0tough time staying home because they\u00a0rely on\u00a0everyday\u00a0income.<\/p>\n
We decided to\u00a0help the government and we gathered rice, oil,\u00a0onions\u00a0and canned tuna and portioned\u00a0it up for\u00a0around\u00a02000 family members. Then we loaded\u00a0the\u00a0truck and delivered\u00a0it to all the families who needed\u00a0this the\u00a0most\u00a0to help them stay at home. We were grateful for our staff who helped\u00a0in any task needed.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Frendz Resort & Hostel in Boracay<\/a> and Frendz Resort & Hostel\u00a0El Nido<\/a>\u00a0– The Philippines<\/h3>\nThe Philippines is a country so many of us know and love, much like Linus, a traveller who has stayed in Frendz Resort & Hostel many times and found himself quarantining there during the COVID-19 outbreak. Working with the hostels, Linus has been helping to coordinate activities that focus on fast and immediate help for people fighting for daily food and critical medications. The local team also identifies people in need not covered by the government programmes.<\/p>\n
The hostel staff are fundraising and ensure that 100% of all donations<\/a> reach people in need in the local communities of El Nido, Palawan and Boracay, Aklan.<\/p>\nLinus tells us, \u201cFrendz Resort & Hostel is very blessed to have guests around the world reaching out to ask how the situation in The Philippines is developing and if they can help somehow. Since we were already regularly giving out food and care packages to all our affected staff families, the idea was born. We realised we could potentially support even more local families. So now we have the lovely Frendz Resort & Hostel Team, the stranded tourists on the ground, and all the \u201cfrendz\u201d around the world working together.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hostel heroes supporting travellers<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
Hi Tehran Hostels<\/a> – Iran<\/h3>\nGolnar\u00a0and\u00a0Habibeh\u00a0from\u00a0Hi Tehran Hostels in Iran were the first hostel to reach out to us and let us know that they were opening their doors to stranded travellers as their country\u2019s borders closed. The team\u00a0closed both of\u00a0their\u00a0hostels in Tehran on\u00a0the\u00a01st of March and re-opened them as “Free self-run hostels” for backpackers who found themselves stuck during the ongoing pandemic.<\/p>\n
So far, they\u2019ve hosted over 70 travellers who couldn\u2019t afford accommodation and\u00a0were waiting to go home. The project is still ongoing, with\u00a015 guests\u00a0currently still\u00a0staying with them.\u00a0They\u2019ve even had BBC Radio asking\u00a0them to join\u00a0a podcast interview\u00a0in recognition of their\u00a0work.<\/p>\n
They\u2019re\u00a0also\u00a0running a\u00a0fundraising\u00a0campaign with previous guests, to support local families under extreme financial pressure.\u00a0To raise money, they sold two\u202fpieces of art that they\u00a0had in the hostel, raising\u00a0\u20ac8374. With this cash, they\u00a0were then able to\u00a0provide 160 families\u00a0with\u00a0basic food and sanitary packages. Also, with the help of “SOSA Poverty” NGO and remaining\u00a0money,\u00a0they\u00a0provided the materials and\u00a0a\u00a0workplace to sew\u00a0800+\u00a0cotton masks to be distributed in less privileged\u202fareas\u00a0of Tehran.<\/p>\n
It was Golnar and Habibeh\u2019s quick thinking that inspired us to set up \u2018Beds for Backpackers<\/a>\u2019, an initiative to support stranded travellers around the world. We were humbled, but not surprised when so many hostels signed up to the project and you can check out the generous bunch here<\/a>.<\/p>\nAll hostels are heroes<\/h2>\n
Like we said at the beginning of this post, these hostel heroes are not the only hostels giving so much during this time of crisis, but they do reflect what a community-spirited group they are. If you\u2019d like to support their initiatives please do reach out to them, and if you\u2019d like to make sure that hostels are here for a long time to come you can also Adopt a Hostel<\/a>. By doing so you\u2019ll be helping a hostel keep its doors open and you\u2019ll have a hostel stay banked for when you\u2019re ready to travel again. We hope this post has given you a little faith in humanity and reminded you why we all love hostels.<\/p>\nKeep reading:<\/h2>\n
\ud83c\udf1f Seven destinations where you can help out with wildlife conservation projects<\/a><\/p>\n\ud83c\udf1f Empowering stories from 9 kick-ass female hostel owners<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hostel heroes supporting communities<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
Mango Tree Hostel<\/a> \u2013 Brazil<\/h3>\nUsually filled with carefree backpackers, enjoying a caipirinha or two in this idyllic Rio location, the team at Mango Tree Hostel have been fast to turn their attention to their local community.<\/p>\n
With over 13 million Brazilians living in poverty in Rio\u2019s favelas, the risk of the virus spreading rapidly through densely populated homes that have limited water supplies makes these locals extremely high-risk.<\/p>\n
This hostel\u2019s humble goal is to support 150 families with food and hygiene kits before Brazil reaches its COVID-19 peak at the end of May. They\u2019re working with ACE Projects, a long-term partner to fundraise and distribute. You can support these families by donating here<\/a>.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Sweet BCN<\/a> \u2013 Barcelona<\/h3>\nThis hostel is doing what it does best and giving those who need it a safe and comfortable place to stay in Barcelona\u2019s Eixample neighbourhood. Partnering with NGO Homeless Entrepreneur<\/a> they\u2019ve helped get 17 locals off the streets and safely into their hostel. These hostel guests have their food, hygiene and medical needs covered. Also, the hostel team are providing life-changing training to help develop personal and professional skills.<\/p>\nThese hostel heroes are taking it in their stride, saying: \u201cThis crisis has given us the opportunity to keep doing what we do, with a different focus, more open and committed.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Bristol Wing<\/a> \u2013 UK<\/h3>\nThis boutique hostel was once the city\u2019s police headquarters and the building dates back to the 13th<\/sup> Century. Part of the YMCA group, they are no strangers to doing good things for people and the planet. During the current crisis, the guys at The Bristol Wing<\/a> hostel have handed over their whole building to support rough sleepers in the UK city. Homeless charity St Mungo\u2019s<\/a> are working with Bristol Council to make sure no one is on the streets during the pandemic.<\/p>\n\u201cAs we left, it still felt like The Bristol Wing, just with a different set of humans in the bedrooms and behind the desk. Calm, welcoming and friendly. We will be back when our world finds its new normal again – and we will be spruced up, arms open wide – ready to welcome you to our city.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Haiti Communitere<\/a> \u2013 Port-au-Prince, Haiti<\/h3>\nIn normal times travellers kick back in hammocks as Haiti Communitere sits within a garden filled with mango, coconut and plantain trees. However, this hostel is also a community resource centre and even before the virus hit, they were supporting local NGOs. Born immediately after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti which killed 316,000 people, they\u2019ve since supported over 800 small organisations. Janet at Haiti Communitere explains, \u201cPort-au-Prince, Haiti, is one of the most politically and economically fragile countries in the world and is the poorest country in the Western hemisphere. It is a wonderful country but very unstable. There are constant shocks and crises in this country.\u201d<\/p>\n
Haiti Communitere runs a home for vulnerable women and a project called Non Signifi Non (No Means No) which teaches rape prevention.\u00a0Another organisation they support is Kids Connection Haiti, who help young people coming out of orphanages, by giving them office space and a place to hold large workshops and training sessions. During the Coronavirus pandemic, the team here have taken up mask-making among other activities to continue their valuable community support work.<\/p>\n
When this is all over you know where to book if you want your backpacking budget to make a difference to others.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
BaobaBed Hostel<\/a>\u00a0– Myanmar<\/h3>\nMuch like the rest of the world, Myanmar is struggling to manage the impact of COVID-19, but it\u2019s also one of the least developed countries. BaobaBed Hostel was set up by a group of young Burmese backpackers and once the crisis hit their country, they shifted gears to give their support to the poorest members of their community. Collaborating with Yangon City Government they\u2019re donating food packages to the most vulnerable people.<\/p>\n
Kai Maung explains the situation they\u2019re facing. \u201cYangon is\u00a0the\u00a0former capital of Myanmar and around 7 million people are living\u00a0here.\u00a0The government asked\u00a0us to stay home for 20 days, even cancelling the New Year Celebrations. We knew\u00a0some of the poor population who live around the city would\u00a0have\u00a0a\u00a0tough time staying home because they\u00a0rely on\u00a0everyday\u00a0income.<\/p>\n
We decided to\u00a0help the government and we gathered rice, oil,\u00a0onions\u00a0and canned tuna and portioned\u00a0it up for\u00a0around\u00a02000 family members. Then we loaded\u00a0the\u00a0truck and delivered\u00a0it to all the families who needed\u00a0this the\u00a0most\u00a0to help them stay at home. We were grateful for our staff who helped\u00a0in any task needed.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Frendz Resort & Hostel in Boracay<\/a> and Frendz Resort & Hostel\u00a0El Nido<\/a>\u00a0– The Philippines<\/h3>\nThe Philippines is a country so many of us know and love, much like Linus, a traveller who has stayed in Frendz Resort & Hostel many times and found himself quarantining there during the COVID-19 outbreak. Working with the hostels, Linus has been helping to coordinate activities that focus on fast and immediate help for people fighting for daily food and critical medications. The local team also identifies people in need not covered by the government programmes.<\/p>\n
The hostel staff are fundraising and ensure that 100% of all donations<\/a> reach people in need in the local communities of El Nido, Palawan and Boracay, Aklan.<\/p>\nLinus tells us, \u201cFrendz Resort & Hostel is very blessed to have guests around the world reaching out to ask how the situation in The Philippines is developing and if they can help somehow. Since we were already regularly giving out food and care packages to all our affected staff families, the idea was born. We realised we could potentially support even more local families. So now we have the lovely Frendz Resort & Hostel Team, the stranded tourists on the ground, and all the \u201cfrendz\u201d around the world working together.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hostel heroes supporting travellers<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
Hi Tehran Hostels<\/a> – Iran<\/h3>\nGolnar\u00a0and\u00a0Habibeh\u00a0from\u00a0Hi Tehran Hostels in Iran were the first hostel to reach out to us and let us know that they were opening their doors to stranded travellers as their country\u2019s borders closed. The team\u00a0closed both of\u00a0their\u00a0hostels in Tehran on\u00a0the\u00a01st of March and re-opened them as “Free self-run hostels” for backpackers who found themselves stuck during the ongoing pandemic.<\/p>\n
So far, they\u2019ve hosted over 70 travellers who couldn\u2019t afford accommodation and\u00a0were waiting to go home. The project is still ongoing, with\u00a015 guests\u00a0currently still\u00a0staying with them.\u00a0They\u2019ve even had BBC Radio asking\u00a0them to join\u00a0a podcast interview\u00a0in recognition of their\u00a0work.<\/p>\n
They\u2019re\u00a0also\u00a0running a\u00a0fundraising\u00a0campaign with previous guests, to support local families under extreme financial pressure.\u00a0To raise money, they sold two\u202fpieces of art that they\u00a0had in the hostel, raising\u00a0\u20ac8374. With this cash, they\u00a0were then able to\u00a0provide 160 families\u00a0with\u00a0basic food and sanitary packages. Also, with the help of “SOSA Poverty” NGO and remaining\u00a0money,\u00a0they\u00a0provided the materials and\u00a0a\u00a0workplace to sew\u00a0800+\u00a0cotton masks to be distributed in less privileged\u202fareas\u00a0of Tehran.<\/p>\n
It was Golnar and Habibeh\u2019s quick thinking that inspired us to set up \u2018Beds for Backpackers<\/a>\u2019, an initiative to support stranded travellers around the world. We were humbled, but not surprised when so many hostels signed up to the project and you can check out the generous bunch here<\/a>.<\/p>\nAll hostels are heroes<\/h2>\n
Like we said at the beginning of this post, these hostel heroes are not the only hostels giving so much during this time of crisis, but they do reflect what a community-spirited group they are. If you\u2019d like to support their initiatives please do reach out to them, and if you\u2019d like to make sure that hostels are here for a long time to come you can also Adopt a Hostel<\/a>. By doing so you\u2019ll be helping a hostel keep its doors open and you\u2019ll have a hostel stay banked for when you\u2019re ready to travel again. We hope this post has given you a little faith in humanity and reminded you why we all love hostels.<\/p>\nKeep reading:<\/h2>\n
\ud83c\udf1f Seven destinations where you can help out with wildlife conservation projects<\/a><\/p>\n\ud83c\udf1f Empowering stories from 9 kick-ass female hostel owners<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Sweet BCN<\/a> \u2013 Barcelona<\/h3>\nThis hostel is doing what it does best and giving those who need it a safe and comfortable place to stay in Barcelona\u2019s Eixample neighbourhood. Partnering with NGO Homeless Entrepreneur<\/a> they\u2019ve helped get 17 locals off the streets and safely into their hostel. These hostel guests have their food, hygiene and medical needs covered. Also, the hostel team are providing life-changing training to help develop personal and professional skills.<\/p>\nThese hostel heroes are taking it in their stride, saying: \u201cThis crisis has given us the opportunity to keep doing what we do, with a different focus, more open and committed.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Bristol Wing<\/a> \u2013 UK<\/h3>\nThis boutique hostel was once the city\u2019s police headquarters and the building dates back to the 13th<\/sup> Century. Part of the YMCA group, they are no strangers to doing good things for people and the planet. During the current crisis, the guys at The Bristol Wing<\/a> hostel have handed over their whole building to support rough sleepers in the UK city. Homeless charity St Mungo\u2019s<\/a> are working with Bristol Council to make sure no one is on the streets during the pandemic.<\/p>\n\u201cAs we left, it still felt like The Bristol Wing, just with a different set of humans in the bedrooms and behind the desk. Calm, welcoming and friendly. We will be back when our world finds its new normal again – and we will be spruced up, arms open wide – ready to welcome you to our city.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Haiti Communitere<\/a> \u2013 Port-au-Prince, Haiti<\/h3>\nIn normal times travellers kick back in hammocks as Haiti Communitere sits within a garden filled with mango, coconut and plantain trees. However, this hostel is also a community resource centre and even before the virus hit, they were supporting local NGOs. Born immediately after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti which killed 316,000 people, they\u2019ve since supported over 800 small organisations. Janet at Haiti Communitere explains, \u201cPort-au-Prince, Haiti, is one of the most politically and economically fragile countries in the world and is the poorest country in the Western hemisphere. It is a wonderful country but very unstable. There are constant shocks and crises in this country.\u201d<\/p>\n
Haiti Communitere runs a home for vulnerable women and a project called Non Signifi Non (No Means No) which teaches rape prevention.\u00a0Another organisation they support is Kids Connection Haiti, who help young people coming out of orphanages, by giving them office space and a place to hold large workshops and training sessions. During the Coronavirus pandemic, the team here have taken up mask-making among other activities to continue their valuable community support work.<\/p>\n
When this is all over you know where to book if you want your backpacking budget to make a difference to others.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
BaobaBed Hostel<\/a>\u00a0– Myanmar<\/h3>\nMuch like the rest of the world, Myanmar is struggling to manage the impact of COVID-19, but it\u2019s also one of the least developed countries. BaobaBed Hostel was set up by a group of young Burmese backpackers and once the crisis hit their country, they shifted gears to give their support to the poorest members of their community. Collaborating with Yangon City Government they\u2019re donating food packages to the most vulnerable people.<\/p>\n
Kai Maung explains the situation they\u2019re facing. \u201cYangon is\u00a0the\u00a0former capital of Myanmar and around 7 million people are living\u00a0here.\u00a0The government asked\u00a0us to stay home for 20 days, even cancelling the New Year Celebrations. We knew\u00a0some of the poor population who live around the city would\u00a0have\u00a0a\u00a0tough time staying home because they\u00a0rely on\u00a0everyday\u00a0income.<\/p>\n
We decided to\u00a0help the government and we gathered rice, oil,\u00a0onions\u00a0and canned tuna and portioned\u00a0it up for\u00a0around\u00a02000 family members. Then we loaded\u00a0the\u00a0truck and delivered\u00a0it to all the families who needed\u00a0this the\u00a0most\u00a0to help them stay at home. We were grateful for our staff who helped\u00a0in any task needed.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Frendz Resort & Hostel in Boracay<\/a> and Frendz Resort & Hostel\u00a0El Nido<\/a>\u00a0– The Philippines<\/h3>\nThe Philippines is a country so many of us know and love, much like Linus, a traveller who has stayed in Frendz Resort & Hostel many times and found himself quarantining there during the COVID-19 outbreak. Working with the hostels, Linus has been helping to coordinate activities that focus on fast and immediate help for people fighting for daily food and critical medications. The local team also identifies people in need not covered by the government programmes.<\/p>\n
The hostel staff are fundraising and ensure that 100% of all donations<\/a> reach people in need in the local communities of El Nido, Palawan and Boracay, Aklan.<\/p>\nLinus tells us, \u201cFrendz Resort & Hostel is very blessed to have guests around the world reaching out to ask how the situation in The Philippines is developing and if they can help somehow. Since we were already regularly giving out food and care packages to all our affected staff families, the idea was born. We realised we could potentially support even more local families. So now we have the lovely Frendz Resort & Hostel Team, the stranded tourists on the ground, and all the \u201cfrendz\u201d around the world working together.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hostel heroes supporting travellers<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
Hi Tehran Hostels<\/a> – Iran<\/h3>\nGolnar\u00a0and\u00a0Habibeh\u00a0from\u00a0Hi Tehran Hostels in Iran were the first hostel to reach out to us and let us know that they were opening their doors to stranded travellers as their country\u2019s borders closed. The team\u00a0closed both of\u00a0their\u00a0hostels in Tehran on\u00a0the\u00a01st of March and re-opened them as “Free self-run hostels” for backpackers who found themselves stuck during the ongoing pandemic.<\/p>\n
So far, they\u2019ve hosted over 70 travellers who couldn\u2019t afford accommodation and\u00a0were waiting to go home. The project is still ongoing, with\u00a015 guests\u00a0currently still\u00a0staying with them.\u00a0They\u2019ve even had BBC Radio asking\u00a0them to join\u00a0a podcast interview\u00a0in recognition of their\u00a0work.<\/p>\n
They\u2019re\u00a0also\u00a0running a\u00a0fundraising\u00a0campaign with previous guests, to support local families under extreme financial pressure.\u00a0To raise money, they sold two\u202fpieces of art that they\u00a0had in the hostel, raising\u00a0\u20ac8374. With this cash, they\u00a0were then able to\u00a0provide 160 families\u00a0with\u00a0basic food and sanitary packages. Also, with the help of “SOSA Poverty” NGO and remaining\u00a0money,\u00a0they\u00a0provided the materials and\u00a0a\u00a0workplace to sew\u00a0800+\u00a0cotton masks to be distributed in less privileged\u202fareas\u00a0of Tehran.<\/p>\n
It was Golnar and Habibeh\u2019s quick thinking that inspired us to set up \u2018Beds for Backpackers<\/a>\u2019, an initiative to support stranded travellers around the world. We were humbled, but not surprised when so many hostels signed up to the project and you can check out the generous bunch here<\/a>.<\/p>\nAll hostels are heroes<\/h2>\n
Like we said at the beginning of this post, these hostel heroes are not the only hostels giving so much during this time of crisis, but they do reflect what a community-spirited group they are. If you\u2019d like to support their initiatives please do reach out to them, and if you\u2019d like to make sure that hostels are here for a long time to come you can also Adopt a Hostel<\/a>. By doing so you\u2019ll be helping a hostel keep its doors open and you\u2019ll have a hostel stay banked for when you\u2019re ready to travel again. We hope this post has given you a little faith in humanity and reminded you why we all love hostels.<\/p>\nKeep reading:<\/h2>\n
\ud83c\udf1f Seven destinations where you can help out with wildlife conservation projects<\/a><\/p>\n\ud83c\udf1f Empowering stories from 9 kick-ass female hostel owners<\/a><\/p>\n
These hostel heroes are taking it in their stride, saying: \u201cThis crisis has given us the opportunity to keep doing what we do, with a different focus, more open and committed.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Bristol Wing<\/a> \u2013 UK<\/h3>\nThis boutique hostel was once the city\u2019s police headquarters and the building dates back to the 13th<\/sup> Century. Part of the YMCA group, they are no strangers to doing good things for people and the planet. During the current crisis, the guys at The Bristol Wing<\/a> hostel have handed over their whole building to support rough sleepers in the UK city. Homeless charity St Mungo\u2019s<\/a> are working with Bristol Council to make sure no one is on the streets during the pandemic.<\/p>\n\u201cAs we left, it still felt like The Bristol Wing, just with a different set of humans in the bedrooms and behind the desk. Calm, welcoming and friendly. We will be back when our world finds its new normal again – and we will be spruced up, arms open wide – ready to welcome you to our city.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Haiti Communitere<\/a> \u2013 Port-au-Prince, Haiti<\/h3>\nIn normal times travellers kick back in hammocks as Haiti Communitere sits within a garden filled with mango, coconut and plantain trees. However, this hostel is also a community resource centre and even before the virus hit, they were supporting local NGOs. Born immediately after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti which killed 316,000 people, they\u2019ve since supported over 800 small organisations. Janet at Haiti Communitere explains, \u201cPort-au-Prince, Haiti, is one of the most politically and economically fragile countries in the world and is the poorest country in the Western hemisphere. It is a wonderful country but very unstable. There are constant shocks and crises in this country.\u201d<\/p>\n
Haiti Communitere runs a home for vulnerable women and a project called Non Signifi Non (No Means No) which teaches rape prevention.\u00a0Another organisation they support is Kids Connection Haiti, who help young people coming out of orphanages, by giving them office space and a place to hold large workshops and training sessions. During the Coronavirus pandemic, the team here have taken up mask-making among other activities to continue their valuable community support work.<\/p>\n
When this is all over you know where to book if you want your backpacking budget to make a difference to others.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
BaobaBed Hostel<\/a>\u00a0– Myanmar<\/h3>\nMuch like the rest of the world, Myanmar is struggling to manage the impact of COVID-19, but it\u2019s also one of the least developed countries. BaobaBed Hostel was set up by a group of young Burmese backpackers and once the crisis hit their country, they shifted gears to give their support to the poorest members of their community. Collaborating with Yangon City Government they\u2019re donating food packages to the most vulnerable people.<\/p>\n
Kai Maung explains the situation they\u2019re facing. \u201cYangon is\u00a0the\u00a0former capital of Myanmar and around 7 million people are living\u00a0here.\u00a0The government asked\u00a0us to stay home for 20 days, even cancelling the New Year Celebrations. We knew\u00a0some of the poor population who live around the city would\u00a0have\u00a0a\u00a0tough time staying home because they\u00a0rely on\u00a0everyday\u00a0income.<\/p>\n
We decided to\u00a0help the government and we gathered rice, oil,\u00a0onions\u00a0and canned tuna and portioned\u00a0it up for\u00a0around\u00a02000 family members. Then we loaded\u00a0the\u00a0truck and delivered\u00a0it to all the families who needed\u00a0this the\u00a0most\u00a0to help them stay at home. We were grateful for our staff who helped\u00a0in any task needed.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Frendz Resort & Hostel in Boracay<\/a> and Frendz Resort & Hostel\u00a0El Nido<\/a>\u00a0– The Philippines<\/h3>\nThe Philippines is a country so many of us know and love, much like Linus, a traveller who has stayed in Frendz Resort & Hostel many times and found himself quarantining there during the COVID-19 outbreak. Working with the hostels, Linus has been helping to coordinate activities that focus on fast and immediate help for people fighting for daily food and critical medications. The local team also identifies people in need not covered by the government programmes.<\/p>\n
The hostel staff are fundraising and ensure that 100% of all donations<\/a> reach people in need in the local communities of El Nido, Palawan and Boracay, Aklan.<\/p>\nLinus tells us, \u201cFrendz Resort & Hostel is very blessed to have guests around the world reaching out to ask how the situation in The Philippines is developing and if they can help somehow. Since we were already regularly giving out food and care packages to all our affected staff families, the idea was born. We realised we could potentially support even more local families. So now we have the lovely Frendz Resort & Hostel Team, the stranded tourists on the ground, and all the \u201cfrendz\u201d around the world working together.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hostel heroes supporting travellers<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
Hi Tehran Hostels<\/a> – Iran<\/h3>\nGolnar\u00a0and\u00a0Habibeh\u00a0from\u00a0Hi Tehran Hostels in Iran were the first hostel to reach out to us and let us know that they were opening their doors to stranded travellers as their country\u2019s borders closed. The team\u00a0closed both of\u00a0their\u00a0hostels in Tehran on\u00a0the\u00a01st of March and re-opened them as “Free self-run hostels” for backpackers who found themselves stuck during the ongoing pandemic.<\/p>\n
So far, they\u2019ve hosted over 70 travellers who couldn\u2019t afford accommodation and\u00a0were waiting to go home. The project is still ongoing, with\u00a015 guests\u00a0currently still\u00a0staying with them.\u00a0They\u2019ve even had BBC Radio asking\u00a0them to join\u00a0a podcast interview\u00a0in recognition of their\u00a0work.<\/p>\n
They\u2019re\u00a0also\u00a0running a\u00a0fundraising\u00a0campaign with previous guests, to support local families under extreme financial pressure.\u00a0To raise money, they sold two\u202fpieces of art that they\u00a0had in the hostel, raising\u00a0\u20ac8374. With this cash, they\u00a0were then able to\u00a0provide 160 families\u00a0with\u00a0basic food and sanitary packages. Also, with the help of “SOSA Poverty” NGO and remaining\u00a0money,\u00a0they\u00a0provided the materials and\u00a0a\u00a0workplace to sew\u00a0800+\u00a0cotton masks to be distributed in less privileged\u202fareas\u00a0of Tehran.<\/p>\n
It was Golnar and Habibeh\u2019s quick thinking that inspired us to set up \u2018Beds for Backpackers<\/a>\u2019, an initiative to support stranded travellers around the world. We were humbled, but not surprised when so many hostels signed up to the project and you can check out the generous bunch here<\/a>.<\/p>\nAll hostels are heroes<\/h2>\n
Like we said at the beginning of this post, these hostel heroes are not the only hostels giving so much during this time of crisis, but they do reflect what a community-spirited group they are. If you\u2019d like to support their initiatives please do reach out to them, and if you\u2019d like to make sure that hostels are here for a long time to come you can also Adopt a Hostel<\/a>. By doing so you\u2019ll be helping a hostel keep its doors open and you\u2019ll have a hostel stay banked for when you\u2019re ready to travel again. We hope this post has given you a little faith in humanity and reminded you why we all love hostels.<\/p>\nKeep reading:<\/h2>\n
\ud83c\udf1f Seven destinations where you can help out with wildlife conservation projects<\/a><\/p>\n\ud83c\udf1f Empowering stories from 9 kick-ass female hostel owners<\/a><\/p>\n
\u201cAs we left, it still felt like The Bristol Wing, just with a different set of humans in the bedrooms and behind the desk. Calm, welcoming and friendly. We will be back when our world finds its new normal again – and we will be spruced up, arms open wide – ready to welcome you to our city.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Haiti Communitere<\/a> \u2013 Port-au-Prince, Haiti<\/h3>\nIn normal times travellers kick back in hammocks as Haiti Communitere sits within a garden filled with mango, coconut and plantain trees. However, this hostel is also a community resource centre and even before the virus hit, they were supporting local NGOs. Born immediately after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti which killed 316,000 people, they\u2019ve since supported over 800 small organisations. Janet at Haiti Communitere explains, \u201cPort-au-Prince, Haiti, is one of the most politically and economically fragile countries in the world and is the poorest country in the Western hemisphere. It is a wonderful country but very unstable. There are constant shocks and crises in this country.\u201d<\/p>\n
Haiti Communitere runs a home for vulnerable women and a project called Non Signifi Non (No Means No) which teaches rape prevention.\u00a0Another organisation they support is Kids Connection Haiti, who help young people coming out of orphanages, by giving them office space and a place to hold large workshops and training sessions. During the Coronavirus pandemic, the team here have taken up mask-making among other activities to continue their valuable community support work.<\/p>\n
When this is all over you know where to book if you want your backpacking budget to make a difference to others.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
BaobaBed Hostel<\/a>\u00a0– Myanmar<\/h3>\nMuch like the rest of the world, Myanmar is struggling to manage the impact of COVID-19, but it\u2019s also one of the least developed countries. BaobaBed Hostel was set up by a group of young Burmese backpackers and once the crisis hit their country, they shifted gears to give their support to the poorest members of their community. Collaborating with Yangon City Government they\u2019re donating food packages to the most vulnerable people.<\/p>\n
Kai Maung explains the situation they\u2019re facing. \u201cYangon is\u00a0the\u00a0former capital of Myanmar and around 7 million people are living\u00a0here.\u00a0The government asked\u00a0us to stay home for 20 days, even cancelling the New Year Celebrations. We knew\u00a0some of the poor population who live around the city would\u00a0have\u00a0a\u00a0tough time staying home because they\u00a0rely on\u00a0everyday\u00a0income.<\/p>\n
We decided to\u00a0help the government and we gathered rice, oil,\u00a0onions\u00a0and canned tuna and portioned\u00a0it up for\u00a0around\u00a02000 family members. Then we loaded\u00a0the\u00a0truck and delivered\u00a0it to all the families who needed\u00a0this the\u00a0most\u00a0to help them stay at home. We were grateful for our staff who helped\u00a0in any task needed.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Frendz Resort & Hostel in Boracay<\/a> and Frendz Resort & Hostel\u00a0El Nido<\/a>\u00a0– The Philippines<\/h3>\nThe Philippines is a country so many of us know and love, much like Linus, a traveller who has stayed in Frendz Resort & Hostel many times and found himself quarantining there during the COVID-19 outbreak. Working with the hostels, Linus has been helping to coordinate activities that focus on fast and immediate help for people fighting for daily food and critical medications. The local team also identifies people in need not covered by the government programmes.<\/p>\n
The hostel staff are fundraising and ensure that 100% of all donations<\/a> reach people in need in the local communities of El Nido, Palawan and Boracay, Aklan.<\/p>\nLinus tells us, \u201cFrendz Resort & Hostel is very blessed to have guests around the world reaching out to ask how the situation in The Philippines is developing and if they can help somehow. Since we were already regularly giving out food and care packages to all our affected staff families, the idea was born. We realised we could potentially support even more local families. So now we have the lovely Frendz Resort & Hostel Team, the stranded tourists on the ground, and all the \u201cfrendz\u201d around the world working together.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Hostel heroes supporting travellers<\/h2>\n
<\/p>\n
Hi Tehran Hostels<\/a> – Iran<\/h3>\nGolnar\u00a0and\u00a0Habibeh\u00a0from\u00a0Hi Tehran Hostels in Iran were the first hostel to reach out to us and let us know that they were opening their doors to stranded travellers as their country\u2019s borders closed. The team\u00a0closed both of\u00a0their\u00a0hostels in Tehran on\u00a0the\u00a01st of March and re-opened them as “Free self-run hostels” for backpackers who found themselves stuck during the ongoing pandemic.<\/p>\n
So far, they\u2019ve hosted over 70 travellers who couldn\u2019t afford accommodation and\u00a0were waiting to go home. The project is still ongoing, with\u00a015 guests\u00a0currently still\u00a0staying with them.\u00a0They\u2019ve even had BBC Radio asking\u00a0them to join\u00a0a podcast interview\u00a0in recognition of their\u00a0work.<\/p>\n
They\u2019re\u00a0also\u00a0running a\u00a0fundraising\u00a0campaign with previous guests, to support local families under extreme financial pressure.\u00a0To raise money, they sold two\u202fpieces of art that they\u00a0had in the hostel, raising\u00a0\u20ac8374. With this cash, they\u00a0were then able to\u00a0provide 160 families\u00a0with\u00a0basic food and sanitary packages. Also, with the help of “SOSA Poverty” NGO and remaining\u00a0money,\u00a0they\u00a0provided the materials and\u00a0a\u00a0workplace to sew\u00a0800+\u00a0cotton masks to be distributed in less privileged\u202fareas\u00a0of Tehran.<\/p>\n
It was Golnar and Habibeh\u2019s quick thinking that inspired us to set up \u2018Beds for Backpackers<\/a>\u2019, an initiative to support stranded travellers around the world. We were humbled, but not surprised when so many hostels signed up to the project and you can check out the generous bunch here<\/a>.<\/p>\nAll hostels are heroes<\/h2>\n
Like we said at the beginning of this post, these hostel heroes are not the only hostels giving so much during this time of crisis, but they do reflect what a community-spirited group they are. If you\u2019d like to support their initiatives please do reach out to them, and if you\u2019d like to make sure that hostels are here for a long time to come you can also Adopt a Hostel<\/a>. By doing so you\u2019ll be helping a hostel keep its doors open and you\u2019ll have a hostel stay banked for when you\u2019re ready to travel again. We hope this post has given you a little faith in humanity and reminded you why we all love hostels.<\/p>\nKeep reading:<\/h2>\n
\ud83c\udf1f Seven destinations where you can help out with wildlife conservation projects<\/a><\/p>\n\ud83c\udf1f Empowering stories from 9 kick-ass female hostel owners<\/a><\/p>\n
<\/p>\nMuch like the rest of the world, Myanmar is struggling to manage the impact of COVID-19, but it\u2019s also one of the least developed countries. BaobaBed Hostel was set up by a group of young Burmese backpackers and once the crisis hit their country, they shifted gears to give their support to the poorest members of their community. Collaborating with Yangon City Government they\u2019re donating food packages to the most vulnerable people.<\/p>\n
Kai Maung explains the situation they\u2019re facing. \u201cYangon is\u00a0the\u00a0former capital of Myanmar and around 7 million people are living\u00a0here.\u00a0The government asked\u00a0us to stay home for 20 days, even cancelling the New Year Celebrations. We knew\u00a0some of the poor population who live around the city would\u00a0have\u00a0a\u00a0tough time staying home because they\u00a0rely on\u00a0everyday\u00a0income.<\/p>\n
We decided to\u00a0help the government and we gathered rice, oil,\u00a0onions\u00a0and canned tuna and portioned\u00a0it up for\u00a0around\u00a02000 family members. Then we loaded\u00a0the\u00a0truck and delivered\u00a0it to all the families who needed\u00a0this the\u00a0most\u00a0to help them stay at home. We were grateful for our staff who helped\u00a0in any task needed.\u201d<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Frendz Resort & Hostel in Boracay<\/a> and Frendz Resort & Hostel\u00a0El Nido<\/a>\u00a0– The Philippines<\/h3>\nThe Philippines is a country so many of us know and love, much like Linus, a traveller who has stayed in Frendz Resort & Hostel many times and found himself quarantining there during the COVID-19 outbreak. Working with the hostels, Linus has been helping to coordinate activities that focus on fast and immediate help for people fighting for daily food and critical medications. The local team also identifies people in need not covered by the government programmes.<\/p>\n
The hostel staff are fundraising and ensure that 100% of all donations<\/a> reach people in need in the local communities of El Nido, Palawan and Boracay, Aklan.<\/p>\nLinus tells us, \u201cFrendz Resort & Hostel is very blessed to have guests around the world reaching out to ask how the situation in The Philippines is developing and if they can help somehow. Since we were already regularly giving out food and care packages to all our affected staff families, the idea was born. We realised we could potentially support even more local families. So now we have the lovely Frendz Resort & Hostel Team, the stranded tourists on the ground, and all the \u201cfrendz\u201d around the world working together.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Hostel heroes supporting travellers<\/h2>\n
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Hi Tehran Hostels<\/a> – Iran<\/h3>\nGolnar\u00a0and\u00a0Habibeh\u00a0from\u00a0Hi Tehran Hostels in Iran were the first hostel to reach out to us and let us know that they were opening their doors to stranded travellers as their country\u2019s borders closed. The team\u00a0closed both of\u00a0their\u00a0hostels in Tehran on\u00a0the\u00a01st of March and re-opened them as “Free self-run hostels” for backpackers who found themselves stuck during the ongoing pandemic.<\/p>\n
So far, they\u2019ve hosted over 70 travellers who couldn\u2019t afford accommodation and\u00a0were waiting to go home. The project is still ongoing, with\u00a015 guests\u00a0currently still\u00a0staying with them.\u00a0They\u2019ve even had BBC Radio asking\u00a0them to join\u00a0a podcast interview\u00a0in recognition of their\u00a0work.<\/p>\n
They\u2019re\u00a0also\u00a0running a\u00a0fundraising\u00a0campaign with previous guests, to support local families under extreme financial pressure.\u00a0To raise money, they sold two\u202fpieces of art that they\u00a0had in the hostel, raising\u00a0\u20ac8374. With this cash, they\u00a0were then able to\u00a0provide 160 families\u00a0with\u00a0basic food and sanitary packages. Also, with the help of “SOSA Poverty” NGO and remaining\u00a0money,\u00a0they\u00a0provided the materials and\u00a0a\u00a0workplace to sew\u00a0800+\u00a0cotton masks to be distributed in less privileged\u202fareas\u00a0of Tehran.<\/p>\n
It was Golnar and Habibeh\u2019s quick thinking that inspired us to set up \u2018Beds for Backpackers<\/a>\u2019, an initiative to support stranded travellers around the world. We were humbled, but not surprised when so many hostels signed up to the project and you can check out the generous bunch here<\/a>.<\/p>\nAll hostels are heroes<\/h2>\n
Like we said at the beginning of this post, these hostel heroes are not the only hostels giving so much during this time of crisis, but they do reflect what a community-spirited group they are. If you\u2019d like to support their initiatives please do reach out to them, and if you\u2019d like to make sure that hostels are here for a long time to come you can also Adopt a Hostel<\/a>. By doing so you\u2019ll be helping a hostel keep its doors open and you\u2019ll have a hostel stay banked for when you\u2019re ready to travel again. We hope this post has given you a little faith in humanity and reminded you why we all love hostels.<\/p>\nKeep reading:<\/h2>\n
\ud83c\udf1f Seven destinations where you can help out with wildlife conservation projects<\/a><\/p>\n\ud83c\udf1f Empowering stories from 9 kick-ass female hostel owners<\/a><\/p>\n
Linus tells us, \u201cFrendz Resort & Hostel is very blessed to have guests around the world reaching out to ask how the situation in The Philippines is developing and if they can help somehow. Since we were already regularly giving out food and care packages to all our affected staff families, the idea was born. We realised we could potentially support even more local families. So now we have the lovely Frendz Resort & Hostel Team, the stranded tourists on the ground, and all the \u201cfrendz\u201d around the world working together.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Hostel heroes supporting travellers<\/h2>\n
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Hi Tehran Hostels<\/a> – Iran<\/h3>\nGolnar\u00a0and\u00a0Habibeh\u00a0from\u00a0Hi Tehran Hostels in Iran were the first hostel to reach out to us and let us know that they were opening their doors to stranded travellers as their country\u2019s borders closed. The team\u00a0closed both of\u00a0their\u00a0hostels in Tehran on\u00a0the\u00a01st of March and re-opened them as “Free self-run hostels” for backpackers who found themselves stuck during the ongoing pandemic.<\/p>\n
So far, they\u2019ve hosted over 70 travellers who couldn\u2019t afford accommodation and\u00a0were waiting to go home. The project is still ongoing, with\u00a015 guests\u00a0currently still\u00a0staying with them.\u00a0They\u2019ve even had BBC Radio asking\u00a0them to join\u00a0a podcast interview\u00a0in recognition of their\u00a0work.<\/p>\n
They\u2019re\u00a0also\u00a0running a\u00a0fundraising\u00a0campaign with previous guests, to support local families under extreme financial pressure.\u00a0To raise money, they sold two\u202fpieces of art that they\u00a0had in the hostel, raising\u00a0\u20ac8374. With this cash, they\u00a0were then able to\u00a0provide 160 families\u00a0with\u00a0basic food and sanitary packages. Also, with the help of “SOSA Poverty” NGO and remaining\u00a0money,\u00a0they\u00a0provided the materials and\u00a0a\u00a0workplace to sew\u00a0800+\u00a0cotton masks to be distributed in less privileged\u202fareas\u00a0of Tehran.<\/p>\n
It was Golnar and Habibeh\u2019s quick thinking that inspired us to set up \u2018Beds for Backpackers<\/a>\u2019, an initiative to support stranded travellers around the world. We were humbled, but not surprised when so many hostels signed up to the project and you can check out the generous bunch here<\/a>.<\/p>\nAll hostels are heroes<\/h2>\n
Like we said at the beginning of this post, these hostel heroes are not the only hostels giving so much during this time of crisis, but they do reflect what a community-spirited group they are. If you\u2019d like to support their initiatives please do reach out to them, and if you\u2019d like to make sure that hostels are here for a long time to come you can also Adopt a Hostel<\/a>. By doing so you\u2019ll be helping a hostel keep its doors open and you\u2019ll have a hostel stay banked for when you\u2019re ready to travel again. We hope this post has given you a little faith in humanity and reminded you why we all love hostels.<\/p>\nKeep reading:<\/h2>\n
\ud83c\udf1f Seven destinations where you can help out with wildlife conservation projects<\/a><\/p>\n\ud83c\udf1f Empowering stories from 9 kick-ass female hostel owners<\/a><\/p>\n
All hostels are heroes<\/h2>\n
Like we said at the beginning of this post, these hostel heroes are not the only hostels giving so much during this time of crisis, but they do reflect what a community-spirited group they are. If you\u2019d like to support their initiatives please do reach out to them, and if you\u2019d like to make sure that hostels are here for a long time to come you can also Adopt a Hostel<\/a>. By doing so you\u2019ll be helping a hostel keep its doors open and you\u2019ll have a hostel stay banked for when you\u2019re ready to travel again. We hope this post has given you a little faith in humanity and reminded you why we all love hostels.<\/p>\n \ud83c\udf1f Seven destinations where you can help out with wildlife conservation projects<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83c\udf1f Empowering stories from 9 kick-ass female hostel owners<\/a><\/p>\nKeep reading:<\/h2>\n