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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:

Gardening Program

NOAH’s Gardening Program creates opportunities for young people to learn, work together, and connect with the environment through hands-on activities in East Boston. Participants gain experience caring for community green spaces while learning about gardening, environmental responsibility, teamwork, and the importance of caring for the places we share.

Gardening was also part of the experience offered to NOAH’s Youth Leaders during summer 2026, giving young people opportunities to explore different interests while contributing directly to their community.

The program reflects NOAH’s broader commitment to combining youth development, environmental education, and community involvement.

Stay connected with NOAH for upcoming youth and environmental programs.

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

Team

Andrea Amador

Air Quality Program Coordinator

aamador@noahcdc.org

Sury Chavez

Community Builder & Engagement Director

schavez@noahcdc.org

The Air Quality Project is lead 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

Empowering Youth Through Hands-On Science and Fun with Northeastern University

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:

Sury Chavez

Community Builder & Engagement Directors

chavez@noahcdc.org

(617) 567-5882 Ext. 244

Andrea Amador
Education & Youth Program Coordinator

Community Building & Enrichment Department

aamador@noahcdc.org

(617) 567-5882 Ext. 244

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).