A breath of fresh air

PCJ in the Bay Fellow Stories: Raphael Kim

Poor air quality is a pressing yet often overlooked public health concern in many communities, particularly in Belle Haven. Located in Menlo Park, this historically marginalized and under-resourced neighborhood has been systematically excluded from the rest of the city and the surrounding area. 

This is clearly visible in its environment; the community is a “lonely triangle” surrounded by the major traffic arteries of Highways 84, 114, and 101. The constant stream of traffic has a direct impact on air quality, which is significantly worse than in neighboring communities. Belle Haven’s location also makes the neighborhood more vulnerable to the effects of extreme weather and climate change than the rest of Menlo Park, which is becoming more relevant as wildfire smoke increasingly affects community health.

The residents most susceptible to the effects of poor air quality are the elderly and those with preexisting conditions like asthma. The statistics are sobering. A survey of residents showed that 76% were concerned about air quality, and approximately 51% of Belle Haven households have at least one person with asthma, which is four times higher than in other Menlo Park neighborhoods.

To address this urgent issue, Belle Haven Action—a nonprofit that advocates for community needs within Belle Haven—launched a groundbreaking initiative to distribute air filtration units to senior residents, providing a tangible solution to an invisible problem. The initial units were delivered to seventy elderly residents between October 2021 and January 2022. The project’s impact was immediate and powerful, with a later survey reporting that 100% of the residents who responded found the units helpful, with 85% finding them very helpful. One resident with asthma shared that the unit helped with a mold issue in her bedroom, while another with allergies said she no longer needed to take her allergy medication.

The primary project I took the lead on during my summer fellowship with Belle Haven Action was the continuation of this successful initiative. After the initial distribution, the next phase of this program was providing annual filter replacements. By maintaining the filters every year, the project extends equipment life and reduces preventable health crises. My specific role was to coordinate outreach to these participants to schedule filter replacement appointments and distribute the replacement filters.

The process was deeply personal, beginning with text messages and phone calls and culminating in face-to-face visits to residents’ homes. While dropping off each filter, we were able to have a moment of connection with residents. I would arrive at a home and be welcomed inside. The first thing I would notice was the soft hum of the air purifier, a quiet but constant presence in their living space. We would talk as I swapped out the old filter for a new one. I learned about their families, their challenges, and their joys. 

I realized that in addition to being a project coordinator, I was also a partner in maintaining their well-being. This experience fundamentally changed my perspective on public service. Before this, I might have focused on the data points, such as 70 units distributed and 90% of residents reporting better breathing. But the fellowship showed me that the true measure of success lies in the personal stories. It is in the comfort of a good night's sleep, the ability to breathe without medication, and the simple relief of feeling safe in your own home. The issue is not just poor air quality; it is a person's ability to live a healthy, dignified life. My work in replacing filters on air purifiers was just a small part of that, but it was a tangible link to the community, proving that even small acts of service can have a monumental impact.

Looking ahead, Belle Haven Action plans to expand the project to distribute new air filtration units to more households, a testament to the program's undeniable success. This work is a continuous cycle of care—from initial distribution to regular maintenance—and it underscores the importance of a community-led approach. As I reflect on my summer, I am grateful for the opportunity to have worked on a project that truly empowers residents and addresses a critical public service issue with a focus on human connection and genuine care.

Raphael Kim (she/her) is a senior majoring in bioengineering and minoring in sustainability. She is passionate about sustainability, public health, and environmental justice. In the summer of 2025, she was a Partnerships for Climate Justice in the Bay Area (PCJ in the Bay) Fellow with Belle Haven Action, a nonprofit that amplifies the voices of community leaders and advocates for equity, inclusion, and acknowledgement of the diversity that makes the Belle Haven Action neighborhood unique.