City Opens Lottery for Free ACs, Vacuums, Sound Machines, & Air Filters

The City of Chelsea is offering low-income households a chance to receive free essential home appliances through its “Cool & Clean Kit Lottery.” The initiative aims to improve the quality of life for Chelsea families by providing portable air conditioning units, vacuums, air filters, and white noise machines.

Applications for the lottery opened on Wednesday, April 1, and closed on Thursday, April 17. Residents interested in participating were directed to apply online. The lottery drawing itself was scheduled to be broadcast live on the City of Chelsea’s official Facebook page on April 28.

Priority for the program is given to applicants who are at high risk of heat-related illness, including individuals with disabilities, children, pregnant individuals, and seniors aged 65 and older. Renters, veterans, and those living along the Tobin Bridge corridor are also prioritized. Households are encouraged to apply if they do not currently own an air conditioner and have an income at or below 30% of the HUD Area Median Income.

Eligibility requirements state that applicants cannot have previously received an AC unit through this program, live in a building with central air conditioning, or not be a Chelsea resident. Only one application per household is permitted, with residents renting a room only including family members residing in that same room on their application.

For those needing assistance with the application process or requiring accommodations, the city provided a contact number: 617-466-4209.