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Environmental Programs at NOAH: Clean Air and Community Action in East Boston

Why East Boston? Why Resilience?

For more than a decade, NOAH (Neighborhood of Affordable Housing) has been a leader in environmental justice in East Boston, working toward cleaner air, emergency preparedness, healthier homes, and stronger communities. Our commitment began with growing concerns about high asthma rates, especially among children, and the ongoing impact of traffic congestion and airport emissions on neighborhood health. Today, our primary environmental initiative is the Air Quality Project, reactivated in September 2025 and running for two years. This effort strengthens NOAH’s long-term mission to monitor air quality, increase environmental awareness, and promote community action for a healthier East Boston.

The Air Quality Project

The East Boston Air Quality Project brings science and community together. Through a network of advanced air sensors installed across the neighborhood, residents gain access to real-time air quality data via a public online dashboard. In its second phase, NOAH will distribute air purifiers to residents living in high-pollution areas, providing immediate relief while continuing to advocate for long-term policy solutions.

Leadership and Community Partnerships

Our project is built on strong partnerships with:

Together, we connect academic research, local organizing, and environmental advocacy to make data accessible and actionable for all East Boston residents.

Team

Vicente Pereira

Air Quality Program Coordinator

vpereiraroa@noahcdc.org

Sury Chavez

Youth Crew Coordinator

schavez@noahcdc.org

Manlio Mendez

Senior Community Organizer & Project Coordinator

mmendez@noahcdc.org

The Air Quality Project is led by:

Community Workshops and Environmental Education

As part of the project, NOAH hosts environmental workshops in East Boston to educate and engage both youth and residents:

Data Analysis Workshops

In collaboration with Northeastern University, youth learn to process and visualize air quality data

Community Data Sharing Sessions

Residents explore local air quality results and learn practical ways to protect their families

Air Purifier Building Workshops

Participants assemble purifiers to take home while learning about indoor air health and pollution prevention.

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Key Environmental Activities

Installation of air sensors throughout East Boston

• Youth training in environmental data analysis

• Community air quality workshops

• Air purifier building sessions

• Annual East Boston Air Quality Summit to share findings and policy recommendation

Program Objectives

• Raise awareness about air quality and environmental health

• Identify pollution hotspots with real-time data

• Provide short-term relief through air purifiers

• Support policy change with community-based research

Sustainability and Support

The Air Quality Project is funded by three environmental grants, allowing NOAH to continue its leadership in climate resilience, community engagement, and environmental education. These funds help maintain sensor networks, host workshops, and expand youth training opportunities.

Get Involved

Join us in building a cleaner, healthier East Boston. Support NOAH’s environmental programs and help us advance environmental justice, air quality improvement, and sustainability in our community.

For more information or to get involved, please contact:

Manlio Mendez

Senior Community Organizer

mmendez@noahcdc.org

617-418-8242

Sury Chavez
Youth Program Coordinator

schavez@noahcdc.org

(617) 567-5882 Ext. 241

Vicente Pereira
Gardening & Environmental Programs Coordinator

vpereiraroa@noahcdc.org

143 Border Street, East Boston, MA 02128

info@noahcdc.org

Tel: +1 (617) 567.5882

Location

Get in touch

The Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH) is now in its thirty-fifth year as an award-winning multi-service non-profit community development corporation (CDC).