On a typical day in the U.S., there are thousands of requests for emergency shelter that are unmet. There are different reasons folks need such housing—domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual assault, and other crimes. Fortunately, an increasing number of hotel companies are stepping up to provide rooms for those victims in need through the Safe Stays by ReloShare alliance. According to ReloShare, there are now more than 13,000 hotels participating.
A big supporter of ReloShare has been Choice Hotels International, which, as of January 10, had more than six thousand U.S. hotels activated with ReloShare to provide safe housing solutions. Choice just announced this past week that it has expanded its commitment to the alliance with the addition of Radisson Hotels Americas. Choice acquired Radisson Hotels Americas last August. With the addition of Radisson Hotels Americas, over 90 percent of Choice Hotels in the U.S. are now available for booking on the ReloShare platform, which has transformed the way social service agencies secure safe emergency lodging for victims of crime.
The Safe Stays by ReloShare booking platform was created to provide a simple solution to the immense social service challenge of finding emergency housing. Safe Stays also enables anonymous bookings at select hotel locations for those in desperate and dangerous situations who may have fled and are without ID or where safety is a major concern.
The staff at any hotels that choose to offer Safe Stays by ReloShare are properly trained to intake guests, including those who have been booked under an alias by a social service agency. ReloShare will also manually verify these bookings with the hotel to help ensure the check-in process is handled anonymously and seamlessly upon guest arrival.
No Minimums, No Fees
When a social worker books through ReloShare there is no minimum booking or membership fee. Guests are not required to provide the hotel with an ID or credit card or deposit. Safe Stays works for a variety of agencies.
According to ReloShare, it can take as little as 15 minutes to join. It is one way to fill unused rooms. Most bookings are for same day check-in. It is certainly one way to give back to your community—the “S” in ESG.
Last year, ReloShare was named to Fast Company’s prestigious annual list of the World’s Most Innovative Companies.
A big tip of the hat to ReloShare, Choice Hotels and all the other participating hotel companies for making it easier for victims of terrible crimes to find a safe haven.
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