MAMAS

(Seasonal) Air Conditioner Redistribution

What is this project?

Connect neighbors who have unused A/Cs with neighbors who need them!

This working group is seasonal, with activity starting in the late spring and wrapping up around September.

Off-season A/C information:

MAMAS does not have storage space to keep A/Cs during the off-season.

a little cartoon cat enjoying air from an AC, grateful that his ancestors domesticated humans.

How to participate in AC redistribution

  • Be a logistics coordinator who matches donated ACs with households who request them. In the spring, post in #air-conditioners on slack to let us know you’re interested. This requires checking an inbox and answering emails a few times a week. It also requires a conversation with existing coordinators where we get to know each other (a trust call).
  • Donate an A/C unit in the spring/summer. When you contact us, include:
    • 1) your preferred contact method
    • 2) how many BTUs on your A/C (usually found on a sticker on the side)
    • 3) type of unit (window, portable, etc.)
    • 4) if you can deliver it or need someone else to do the driving and lifting
  • Spread the word in Medford & Somerville, digitally and physically! Here are printable flyers. (We only have capacity to support folks in Medford/Somerville). 
  • Help with transporting, lifting, and installing A/C units! If you have a car and can lift/install an A/C unit, email/call us (details below) or introduce yourself on  #air-conditioners. Be on the lookout for requests in that slack channel!
    • We’ve also considered the idea of “office hours,” where a delivery person would be on call for a given evening.
  • Request an AC! See next section:

How to Request an AC

This is the info we need to match you with an A/C, or your A/C with a home:

  • What size is your room? or How many BTUs on your A/C? (this tells you how powerful it is, and is usually marked on a sticker on the side)
  • Normal window unit or portable A/C?
  • Can you pick up / deliver it, or do you need someone else to do the driving and lifting?
  • In what neighborhood do you live?
Describes the A/C Redistribution system with how to contact the A/C team about providing or requesting an A/C.

In 2026, we also partnered with Cambridge Health Alliance, CultureHouse, and the City of Somerville to support their Cooling East Somerville grant. If you live in East Somerville, let us know and we may be able to get you a new A/C through this grant!

Describes the Cooling East Somerville program.

Back to Get Involved!

Get involved with AC Redistribution

Slack channels: #air-conditioners

Next steps to get involved:

  • The AC Redistribution is currently preparing for winter hiatus. We’re no longer accepting AC donations, but you can still submit AC requests.
  • We typically start looking for coordinators in March, so please come back in the spring!

Contact the AC team: