With dangerous heat settling into New England this week, several Massachusetts communities are expanding cooling resources, including free air conditioning units and other assistance programs.
Free Air Conditioners
East Somerville, via Cooling East Somerville and Cambridge Health Alliance, distributed 100 air conditioners in May and June. Earlier this year, the City of Chelsea provided 200 free air conditioning units to low-income households through a lottery program, according to an NBC10 Boston report. More than 300 people applied for the units.
While the East Somerville and Chelsea programs are no longer accepting applications this summer, Somerville city officials explained that help may be available through community groups, including Mutual Aid for Medford and Somerville.
Residents can learn more through the East Somerville cooling initiative at Cooling East Somerville.
Rebates for New Air Conditioners
Mass Save offers a $40 rebate for qualifying room air conditioners. Additional information is available through the Mass Save room air conditioner rebate program…