The Breathe Safe Butte Program will be launching first at the Breathe Better Butte Fair on October 1, 2025! Eligible applicants who visit with a proof of residency (utility bill, etc.) and a proof of income-eligibility (see more details below) can complete an application there at the event and leave with your new HEPA air purifier! Applications will become available online and at the District office starting October 2, 2025. 

The goal of the Breathe Safe Butte Program is to provide a portable air filtration device at no cost to qualifying households wanting to reduce their exposure to smoke and other fine particulates.  

WHO CAN APPLY?

Homeowners and renters residing in a state-designated Disadvantaged Community (Chapman/Mulberry/Fair Street area of Chico and Thermalito south of Grand Ave.) or on Federally recognized Tribal lands in Butte County. Areas shaded in green on this map are eligible.

OR

Homeowners and renters in Butte County that are low-income qualified. To qualify for this path, applicants must meet one of the following qualifications:

• Participation in an existing state or federal income-qualified program (such as PG&E CARE or FERA, LIHEAP, WIC, TANF, CalFresh/SNAP, Medicaid/Medi-CAL, SSI).
• Household annual income at or below $75,000.

To apply at the Breathe Better Butte Fair, bring proof of residency (such as a utlity bill).  If applying under the low-income qualification, include evidence of participation in an existing state or federal income-qualified program or documentation of most recent annual household income (District staff will return those records to you).

WHAT AIR FILTER DEVICE IS AVAILABLE?

The Medify MA-25 is a true-HEPA air cleaner that can filter out smoke and other small particulates efficiently. The size is designed for a large room such as a living room or large bedroom. The device comes with two filters already installed and we'll provide another pair of filters for future replacement. Additional filters are available from Medify directly or many third-party online retail websites.  The application will include additional specifications of the unit. 

This program is part of Butte County Air Quality Management District’s Community Air Protection Program. Community Air Protection Incentives are part of California Climate Investments, a statewide program that puts billions of Cap-and-Trade dollars to work reducing GHG emissions, strengthening the economy, and improving public health and the environment – particularly in disadvantaged communities. This program is subject to state requirements and agreements with the California Air Resources Board (CARB).