Chelsea Gives Away 200 Free Air Conditioners to Low-Income Residents

The Chelsea Department of Public Health and City Manager's Office conducted a weighted lottery on April 28 to distribute air conditioners, vacuums, air filters, and sound machines to 200 low-income households.

The lottery drew from 368 applicants. The city prioritized households with seniors 65 and older, residents with disabilities, families with children, pregnant individuals, veterans, renters without air conditioning, and those living near the Tobin Bridge corridor.

Winners can confirm their selection by calling Chelsea 3-1-1 at 617-466-4209 or checking their unique identification number against the city's published list. The city will contact winners directly with pickup or delivery instructions.

The weighted lottery system gave applicants facing multiple challenges additional entries. A household with both a senior and a child received more chances than one meeting a single priority criterion.

Air conditioners provide relief during heat waves for seniors and those with respiratory conditions. Air filters improve indoor air quality for households affected by traffic pollution from the Tobin Bridge. Sound machines help residents sleep despite urban noise. Vacuums support cleaner homes for families managing allergies or asthma.