Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network
Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network (Chi-CARN) is a coalition creating access to free and low-cost clean indoor air resources in Chicago. Our community-driven model allows us to provide resources such as free N95 masks, air purifiers, and other clean air equipment through Windy City ToolBank’s lending program.
The problem that we solve
Chicago lacks a coordinated, equitable system for addressing both acute and chronic indoor air events with clean air resources.
As climate-driven air quality crises increase, fragmented and reactive solutions leave vulnerable people unprotected and unable to access protective equipment such as air purifiers and PPE.
The Chi-CARN coalition increases community access to clean air tools.
Air Support Project
Clean air is a right, not a privilege. Our mission is to make affordable, science-backed air quality a reality for everyone.
Public Health Action Network
Our mission is to safeguard public health by improving indoor air quality, promoting evidence-based COVID-19 prevention strategies, and empowering communities.
SOS
SOS is a community coordination platform eliminating disconnection across humanitarian organizations and the people they serve.
Windy City ToolBank
The Windy City ToolBank serves community-based organizations by providing tools, equipment and expertise to empower their most ambitious goals.
Illinois has had the most tornados than any other state in 2026.
Over the last 10 years, an average of 80% of days per year in Chicago had moderately unhealthy AQI (>50).
Percent of children with asthma in Chicago. This amount exceeds national average by 1.5%.
Smoke exposure in Chicago increased by an estimated 81% between 2019 and 2023.
We care about clean air!
We serve nonprofits and mission-based organizations. Borrow our indoor air quality tools.
Future Directions
Lending Library
Expand our lending locations for portable equipment to local neighborhood sites, such as Chicago Public Library branches.
Clean air Spaces
Strengthening the capacity of trusted community organizations to serve as clean air refuge centers during air quality emergencies.
Community Builds
Hosting and providing resources for community events, such as DIY air purifier builds and mask fitting events.
Air Purifiers for Schools
Offering year-long air purifier lending to Chicago public school teachers.
Get involved
Let's care about clean air together
Are you a vendor willing to donate? An organization with questions about indoor air quality? We want to hear from you! We welcome collaborations that highlight equitable access to clean air.
Borrow equipment
Donate
Contact
CHI-CARN TEAM
Our team is guided by a vibrant network of visionary leaders dedicated to transforming indoor environments in Chicago.
Sarah Masih, M.D., MBA
Air SUpport PROJECT
Founder and Executive Director of Air Support Project, specializing in financial management and organization vision. Since 2022, her work in public health advocacy has developed strategic partnerships. Projects developed under her leadership include the free open-source web apps Airwareness and Open Air Scholar. Sarah is a passionate science communicator for equitable access to clean indoor air.
Melissa Smallwood
AIR SUPPORT PROJECT
Co-director and program manager for Air Support Project, with background in science policy, strategic foresight, and public health. Her graduate work on the long-term institutional and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic was published as a book: “The Future of Long COVID: A Threatcasting Approach.”
Jessica Pohto
WINDY CITY TOOLBANK
Executive Director of Windy City ToolBank and Midwest Territory Manager for ToolBank Disaster Services, overseeing operations across a 10-state region. In Chicago, she leads the ToolBank’s centralized logistics and inventory management model, supporting mission-driven organizations through shared access to equipment and coordinated resource distribution. Her experience in disaster response, operational infrastructure, and program implementation positions her to support the deployment of resources within Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network.
Tarz Ludwigsen
PUBLIC HEALTH ACTION NETWORK
Intern for the Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network and Windy City ToolBank, with a background in animation, illustration, and community work. Since graduating from DePaul University in 2025, she has worked with storytelling and information dissemination through being an artist resident, a radio show producer, a current documentary crew member, and a grant recipient of the Chicago Public Library’s Renaissance Project. She seeks to use her creativity to help bring about social change, connection, and education.
Monseratt
WINDY CITY TOOLBANK
Executive Director of Windy City ToolBank and Midwest Territory Manager for ToolBank Disaster Services, overseeing operations across a 10-state region. In Chicago, she leads the ToolBank’s centralized logistics and inventory management model, supporting mission-driven organizations through shared access to equipment and coordinated resource distribution. Her experience in disaster response, operational infrastructure, and program implementation positions her to support the deployment of resources within Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network.
Julia Hester
Intern
Intern for the Chicago Clean Air Resilience Network and Windy City ToolBank, with a background in animation, illustration, and community work. Since graduating from DePaul University in 2025, she has worked with storytelling and information dissemination through being an artist resident, a radio show producer, a current documentary crew member, and a grant recipient of the Chicago Public Library’s Renaissance Project. She seeks to use her creativity to help bring about social change, connection, and education.
Find us Here
1100 W Cermak Rd
Chicago, IL 60608
Get In touch
(312) 900-9209
hello@chicagocarn.org
Hours
Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm
Other times by appointment only