Chicago coalition launches clean air lending network for nonprofits

Air Support Project, Windy City ToolBank and partners have launched Chi-CARN to give Chicago nonprofits and community groups access to clean air equipment, free N95 masks and other supplies. The pilot arrives as wildfire smoke, severe weather and poor air quality continue to hit the city and the Midwest.

Why it matters: - Chi-CARN is designed to give nonprofits and community organizations a shared way to prepare for wildfire smoke, poor air quality and airborne illness. - The network aims to remove the cost and storage barriers that often keep clean air equipment out of reach. - Chicago faces frequent moderate-or-worse air quality days and some of the nation’s highest asthma rates, with disproportionate impacts on Black and Latino communities.

What happened: - Air Support Project, Windy City ToolBank, Public Health Action Network and SOS launched the Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network, or Chi-CARN. - The initiative is rolling out in Chicago with a lending program based in Pilsen. - The network is open to nonprofits, schools, faith communities, civic organizations, mutual aid groups and other mission-driven organizations in the Chicago area, regardless of 501(c)(3) status. - Interested groups can join, borrow equipment, donate inventory, volunteer or support expansion. - Contact information for the network is hello@chicagocarn.org, and more information is available at the network website.

The details: - Chi-CARN is building a shared stockpile of clean air tools, supplies and personal protective equipment through Windy City ToolBank’s lending model. - Member organizations can borrow air purifiers, particle sensors and dehumidifiers instead of buying, storing and maintaining the equipment themselves. - The inventory will also include free consumables such as N95 respirator masks and rapid respiratory tests. - Durable equipment in the pilot includes high-CADR air purifiers, far UVC lights and PortaCount fit testing machines. - The coalition is already working with community-based facilities and local ward offices to create neighborhood-level distribution across Chicago. - Chi-CARN is also hosting build events for DIY air cleaners. - The pilot is being supported by grassroots contributions, in-kind donations and community volunteers. - Early donations include a shipment of children’s KN95 masks from WellBefore.

Between the lines: - The launch extends Windy City ToolBank’s lending model beyond traditional tools into health-protection equipment. - Air Support Project is framing clean indoor air as a public health access issue, not just an emergency response measure. - PHAN is positioning the effort as a way to make clean air support practical before smoke, pathogens or severe weather become a crisis. - The coalition’s emphasis on neighborhood distribution suggests a focus on local readiness rather than centralized aid.

What’s next: - Chi-CARN is seeking new members, equipment donations, volunteers and other support to expand the pilot. - The coalition is building out more local distribution partnerships as the program grows. - Organizers say the long-term goal is to make clean air resources a routine part of community resilience in Chicago.

The bottom line: - Chi-CARN turns clean air protection into a shared community asset, not a private purchase.