Couch surfing Chicago
Church not only place protestors will stay during NATO summit
05/09/2012 10:00 PM
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While some Chicagoans groan about the thousands of protesters expected to converge on the city for the NATO summit, others prepare to welcome those same protesters, complete strangers to them, into their homes.
The concept, couch surfing, isn’t new. Travelers have been taking advantage of couch surfing for more than a decade, but for Chicagoans planning on opening their doors, there are safety and legal considerations to keep in mind before signing up.
“We’re trying to use social media to highlight the different options and services people have who need a place to stay,” said Matt McLoughlin of Occupy Chicago.
Occupy Chicago, a major player in the protests later this month, is suggesting its followers consider hosting couch surfers for protesters visiting from across the country and around the world.
Couchsurfing.org, an online network of couch surfers, suggests hosts set clear expectations and guidelines early for a couch surfer’s stay.
Marcus Demery, of Occupy Chicago, is planning on opening his apartment to couch surfers for the summit.
“I’ve connected with people way before NATO to know if they need housing,” Demery said, “then for my own preferences, what they do for a living, why they are a part of the occupy movement, and how they can help the movement.”
Legally, couch surfers have the same rights as other house guests, said David Abels, a personal injury lawyer.
“It’s not different than any other situation, inviting a couch surfer in or inviting your aunt in,” Abels said. “If there’s a hazardous condition that you didn’t warn them about, you could be liable for negligence if they’re injured.”
For those planning on visiting the city to protest during the summit, McLoughlin said, “I wouldn’t recommend coming to something like this alone, not because it’s a dangerous situation but it’s always good to come with someone you know.”