<p>Airbnb user here. No, there is no service where they will email you when something opens. If you will be there irregularly, I’d suggest finding a possible date far into the future, and emailing a likely host with more than one room, to explain your situation, and ask for notification if they have future availability. </p>
<p>Another idea is to post on CL housing wanted. Hopefully someone sounding both kind and communicative will answer and offer an option. On occasion, I rent rooms and have found some good folks who have posted on housing wanted. I’d prefer to not list a room myself. </p>
<p>Feeling for your situation here, as I was stuck in Boston myself during the 1981 air traffic controllers strike. The price of lodging for a poor student was budget ruining. I stayed in the YWCA, though would not recommend that option these days. </p>