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e-Zine: Weekly Updates for Northern Berkshire
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Greetings!
This edition of the e-zine offers updates about our upcoming programming, local events of interest, and area agencies and resources. As things are constantly changing, please call these agencies to get the most up-to-date information.
If you do not subscribe to our e-zine and would like to continue to get updates, please sign up below.
Do you have an event or resource you'd like to see included? Send an email to phzine@nbccoalition.org.
Thank you and stay healthy,
The Staff at the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition
NOTE: Remember to click on the "[Message clipped] View entire message" link at the bottom of the page to read the entire newsletter.
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Upcoming nbCC Events & News |
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UNO Community Center Coffee Time Each Friday in November 1-4pm. Come on over and join the UNO neighbors for coffee and conversation. All are welcome.
Parent Support Group, First & Third Mondays, Family Learning Center at nbCC, 61 Main St., North Adams: The mission of this group is to create a space where parents can feel connected to a community of peers, to share interests, experiences, and challenges in childrearing. You can vent your frustrations or celebrate your successes in a judgement-free, confidential space. Held on the first and third Mondays of every month. To learn more or to sign up, contact Stephanie Puc at 413-663-7588 or spuc@nbccoalition.org.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren meets the first and third Tuesdays of every month, from 4:00-6:00pm, nbCC Conference Room, 61 Main St., North Adams: Many grandparents find themselves in the position of raising their grandchildren. While this journey can of course be extremely rewarding, there are challenges that present themselves in doing so. This is a group for grandparents who are actively parenting their grandchildren, giving them a safe and confidential space to share similar experiences with other grandparents. Light meals and childcare provided, but you must register beforehand. Unvaccinated children, and those under age 12, must wear masks. For more information or to register, call 413-663-7588 or email dsenecal@nbccoalition.org.
***NOTE NEW BRCC HOURS:***
BRCC Coffee Hour and Activities at Terra Nova (85 Main Street, North Adams) happen on Tuesday evenings from 5:00-6:30pm (note new day and time!). ALL are welcome.
BRCC All-Recovery phone-in/Zoom meetings in collaboration with Young People in Recovery on Mondays, 1:30-2:30pm.
The information for logging in follows:
Or call 929-205-6099
Meeting ID: 859 1443 5166
One-tap mobile:
+19292056099,,85914435166#
+13017158592,,85914435166#
If you have any questions about this meeting or other recovery resources available during these challenging days, please contact us at 413-663-7588 or lrosa@nbccoalition.org.
The nbCC Bike Collective is open Mondays from 3:30-5:30pm, located at The Armory, 206 Ashland St., North Adams. Look for the garage in the back; we will be outside weather permitting. If you are in need of a bike, we have bikes to sell or that can be earned. If you are looking to fix, maintain or tune your bike, we can help with that too. We will also accept bike donations. All residents from Northern Berkshire are welcome! Please call 413-663-7588 if you have any questions.
nbCC's updated Community Resource Guide is out now in English and Spanish! It's a FREE, comprehensive, 44-page booklet that can help you find the right community resource to help yourself or your neighbor, whether it's food access, legal services, immigrant support services, health care, substance use, or youth programming (just to name a few). Call us at 413-663-7588 to pick up a copy (or multiple copies), or download the PDF of the English version here, and the Spanish version here.
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Blue Christmas Service - All Saints Berkshire Episcopal Church will be holding a Blue Christmas Service on Wednesday, December 22 @ 7:00pm. The Blue Christmas Service is for all who feel a sense of loss; whether it be a job, a loved one, or whatever the change factor in your life. This is a time to acknowledge it and to find comfort in the fact that you are not alone. Join us in a time of meditations, reflections, music and prayers.
The Ecu-Health Care office doors are open. Due to our office being in a medical complex, masks are required when you enter the building. We are ready to help support you during the 2022 Open Enrollment period which is November 1, 2021 through January 23, 2022. If you or someone you know is looking for public health insurance options such as coverage through MassHealth of Massachusetts Health Connector we may be able to help. MassHealth not only provides health insurance coverage but may also provide “Premium Assistance” to qualifying individuals who are enrolled in employer plans. Ecu-Health Care provides a free public service and is available to assist with applications, annual reviews and renewals, plan selection and enrollment, submission of requests for information or just general information. Give us a call at 663-8711 to schedule an appointment with one of our Health Coverage Counselors. The Ecu-Health Care staff wishes you and your families all the best during the Holiday Season.
Mediation Training. The Dispute Resolution Center administered by BCRHA is offering a 35 hour Basic Mediation Training. The objective of the training is to provide participants with the resources and tools required to effectively resolve disputes. This five day training will take place on March 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 from 9AM-4:30PM. Please contact Kayla Allen at (413) 344-8153 or email KaylaW@BCRHA.com for more information. Look for more information on the BCRHA Facebook page here.
Virtual Employability Workshop - January 4th, 5th, and 6th in Pittsfield from 9:30 to 12:30. We Can Help You Prepare for Your Next Job. This three-day program provides a solid foundation for learning many of the soft skills needed to be successful in the workplace. Some of the skills we cover include communication, time management, and decision making. Upon successful completion of the workshop, participants are awarded a certification which they can add to their resumes and promote during interviews. At the end, we schedule one-on-one time with each individual to help personalize their job search. The class will be held in person and by ZOOM if requested. Contact missionservices@goodwill-berkshires.org or 413-442-0061 x14 to register.
BCAC's Heating Fuel Assistance Program - The program began November 1st and ends April 30th. Applications are now being accepted. All heating types may be eligible for assistance: oil, propane, kerosene, coal, cord wood, wood pellets, natural gas, electric and even some households who have heat included in their rent. The income guidelines for household sizes from one to seven individuals are attached here. Homeowners and tenants are both eligible to receive fuel assistance. Once a household is determined to be eligible for fuel assistance, the household may also be eligible for BCAC’s Home Weatherization and Furnace Repair and Replacement Programs. For more program info, download the flyer here and in Spanish here. For more information, individuals can call BCAC at 413-445-4503 (for Central/South County) or 413-663-3014 (for North County) Monday - Friday between 9am to 3pm; or the status line at 1-866-216-6200. The website is: www.bcacinc.org.
Fundamentals of Medical Interpreting Registration Open January - April 2022. Berkshire AHEC is offering a “Fundamentals of Medical Interpreting” for bilingual and multilingual individuals. The components of the program include practical applications of fundamental interpreting skills, effective communication in the triad (client- provider-interpreter), listening and memory skills, comprehensive medical terminology in target languages, and more. A certificate of completion is provided upon completing the course and passing the final exam. Classes will be held on Thursday evenings 6:00-9:00pm and Saturday mornings 8:30-11:30am LIVESTREAMING VIA ZOOM MEETING. Download flyer here. Please email skirby@berkshireahec.org or call our office at 413-842-5160 for registration support requests.
The Family Center, a program of Child Care of the Berkshires, is offering virtual and in-person parent and child groups. Our building is now open to the public. Families can call The Family Center to access our FREE Children's Clothing Exchange with sizes 0-10. We can still provide diapers or formula through contactless pick up. Please contact the Family Center office by calling 413-664-4821. Visit the Family Center's Facebook page and Instagram page for updates on programming. All programming is FREE and open to families of Northern Berkshire with children under age 8. Here are some upcoming events.
- Drop In Playgroup on Mondays from 10 to 11am at Williamstown Youth Center, Williamstown. For families with children ages 1 to 5 years. Call 413-664-4821 for more information.
- Registered Playgroup, Thursdays 4 to 5 pm in The Family Center Playroom at 210 State Street, North Adams. For children ages 1 to 5 years old. Call 413-664-4821 for more information or bprince@ccberkshire.org to register..
- Want to learn more about your child’s development and different activities to help your child learn? Take our free Ages and Stages Questionnaire! Answer questions about your child’s development through our online link: ASQ Online One of our team members will follow up with your child’s results along with different activities you can do to keep your child learning while playing! Questions? Email mbelanger@ccberkshire.org
The Berkshire 4-H Fair Association is a group of teens that meet once per month, plan everything from the fair book to judges to entertainment. This 4-H program is an amazing leadership opportunity for any teen! Most meetings, until summer, are via Zoom. For more info, click here. Youth that are members of this club for a minimum of 2 years are eligible to apply for a $500 continuing education scholarship (college, trade school, certificate program – post high school). If anyone is interested in becoming a 4-H club member, there is a $40 annual enrollment fee (full and partial waivers are available, ask for details).
ROOTS Teen Center has moved to a new location! ROOTS can now be found at 51 Ashland St., in North Adams, the site of the former Nassif's Pharmacy. Come join us for drop-in on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3-5pm and see our new location. Air hockey, foosball, games, snacks, and more! Also check out our website, rootsteencenter.org for upcoming programs.
Is your home too cold in the winter? Are your heating costs through the roof? Students from Williams College, MCLA, And Bennington College will be packing Free Home Weatherization Kits of window insulation, pipe insulation, caulk, and more to help you have a more comfortable, cost-efficient winter. Kits must be reserved ahead of time and will be ready for pickup in mid-November. Call The Winter Blitz Program at 413-217-4386 or email berkshirewinterblitz@gmail.com for more information.
The Massachusetts Smokers' Helpline is offering an incentive program to help residents who use menthol tobacco products quit. Residents will receive a $10 gift card after completing the first coaching call, a $15 gift card after the second coaching call, and a $25 gift card after the third coaching call. While the incentive does not continue after the third call, the Helpline offers five free coaching calls. For more information, visit the Helpline website or call 1-800-Quit-Now to enroll. For more information on nicotine addiction contact Joyce Brewer at jbrewer@berkshireahec.org. In addition to the incentive program, up to 8 weeks of free nicotine patches, gum or lozenges are also available to residents who speak with a coach (once screened for medical eligibility).
Student Tools for Emergency Planning (STEP): Developed by FEMA Region I staff, the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency, and educators in North Providence, Rhode Island, the program is an emergency preparedness module designed to empower youth to prepare for disasters and to train them to become leaders in family preparedness. The program is geared for youth or students in the 4th and 5th grade but can be adapted for other age groups. Materials are available for download here. For further information contact Arlene.magoon@fema.dhs.gov or Jedidiah.fiato@associates.fema.dhs.gov.
Emergency Broadband Benefit: The FCC announced that on May 12, eligible households will be able to apply for the Emergency Broadband Benefit. The program provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband bills for qualifying low-income households. To find out more, and to see if your household qualifies, visit getemergencybroadband.org. Download an informational flyer in English or Spanish [PDF]. More: Do You Qualify For a $50 Monthly Broadband Subsidy?
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Health & Wellness Updates |
Previously: Governor Baker announced that nearly all remaining COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, effective May 29. Mask requirements remain in place in certain spaces. Read more here.
Need transportation to get a vaccine? AdLib, Inc., in collaboration with County Rainbow Taxi (CRT), is offering no-cost transportation to receive Covid-19 vaccinations. This service is for Berkshire County residents with disabilities. If interested, please call AdLib at 413-442-7047 and leave a message. Names of eligible residents will be given to CRT to expedite the scheduling process. Eligible residents will schedule their ride with CRT after he/she has confirmed a vaccination appointment. This is for residents county-wide.
Replacement Vaccine Cards from Public Clinics: For the time being, the Berkshire Public Health Alliance is providing replacement vaccine cards to those who may have lost or misplaced their cards and who received their vaccine at Berkshire Community College, St. Elizabeth's or W.E.B. Dubois Middle School. Contact BRPC's Office Administrator, Kate Hill Tapia via phone or email (name and phone number only, do not send personal data via email) to request a card. Cards may be mailed or picked up. Messages 24/7, pick up hours: Mon - Fri 8:30 - 4:00. officeassistant@berkshireplanning.org, 413-442-1521 x10.
NEW! Wheels for Wellness: It’s hard to get around in the Berkshires. If you're elderly, there’s a way you can get a free lift from a neighbor for health-related activities. Priority will be given to medical appointments (including counseling,
prescriptions and COVID-19 Vaccination), then access to food and to human/social services, and then to other activities that promote wellness such as exercise, laundry, etc. You must be able to get in and out of the car yourself, book each ride at least two working days in advance, and be reliable, canceling or rescheduling any ride at least two working days in advance. For more information, to sign up for a ride, or to learn about how to volunteer, visit the website or call 413-395-0109.
The Ecu-Health Care office doors are open. Due to our office being in a medical complex, masks are required when you enter the building. If you or someone you know is looking for public health insurance options such as coverage through MassHealth of Massachusetts Health Connector we may be able to help. MassHealth not only provides health insurance coverage but may also provide “Premium Assistance” to qualifying individuals who are enrolled in employer plans. Ecu-Health Care provides a free public service and is available to assist with applications, annual reviews and renewals, plan selection and enrollment, submission of requests for information or just general information. Give us a call at 663-8711 to schedule an appointment with one of our Health Coverage Counselors. The Ecu-Health Care staff wishes you and your families all the best during this difficult time.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Berkshire County has announced the addition of a Warm Line, 413-445-1136, a phone number that people can call to talk to either a NAMI BC staff or a community trained volunteer having lived experience with mental health issues, trauma, and/or to assist individuals through a difficult time, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. NAMI Berkshire County will provide support over the phone as well as resources as available. Calls will be accepted during the day and evening until 8 pm. Callers experiencing isolation, fear, stress can speak to someone so they will not feel as isolated and find some coping strategies that have worked for the operators staffing the phone. If operators are not available callers can leave their phone number and first name and they will be called back within 24 hours or sooner. The information is strictly confidential.
SafeLink is Massachusetts' statewide 24/7 toll-free domestic violence hotline. SafeLink hotline advocates are multilingual, and all calls to SafeLink are free, confidential and anonymous. Anyone can call for information, support and resources at 1-877-785-2020. For more resources, visit here.
Al-Anon meetings are being held virtually. Visit the Berkshire Al-Anon website for details.
The Department of Unemployment Assistance can be reached at (877) 626-6800. Please reach out if you need assistance. You should apply for unemployment benefits during your first week of total or partial unemployment. Most claims are processed within 21-28 days after filing.
People should be mindful of potential fraud. Massachusetts residents who believe they are victims of fraud or other criminal activity related to the pandemic should contact the United States Attorney's Office at USAMA.victimassistance@usdoj.gov or 888-221-6023. Members of the public can also contact the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) by visiting www.IC3.gov. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, please call 911. The Consumer Protection Hotline is also available at (617) 727-8400 to address questions or concerns.
Elizabeth Freeman Domestic Violence Prevention Center: (866) 401-2425
Department of Children and Families: (413) 236-1800
Berkshire Immigrant Center: (413) 445-4881
MassHealth has expanded eligibility and coverage in response to COVID19. See the MassHealth website for more information.
Elder Services (413) 499-0524
Solider On: (413) 236-5644; info@wesoldieron.org
Financial Resources:
- DTA Assistance Line: (877) 382-2363
- Berkshire Community Action Council: (413) 445-4503; (413) 663-3014
- Department of Unemployment Assistance: (877) 626-6800, (617) 626-6338
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Unemployment has waived the waiting period. Click here.
- MA Consumer Protection Hotline: (617) 727-8400
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Food Access and Distribution Sites |
The Baker-Polito Administration has expanded the Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) program to households with children under six years old who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. All P-EBT benefit amounts will also be increasing by 15%. Households with children under age six who receive SNAP will receive their P-EBT benefits on their SNAP EBT card. Families can check their P-EBT balance on DTAConnect.com, the DTA Connect mobile app or by calling the number on the back of their card. P-EBT benefits can be used anywhere SNAP benefits are accepted, including online from Walmart, Amazon and ALDI. Learn more about P-EBT at MAp-ebt.org. Download flyers in English and Spanish for more information about P-EBT.
The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) is issuing emergency SNAP (food stamp) supplements to many SNAP households to help buy food during the pandemic crisis. Congress approved special SNAP supplement benefits in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to see if you will get extra SNAP benefits.
Food Pantries:
Al Nelson Friendship Center, 45 Eagle Street, North Adams, 413-664-0123.
Starting Wednesday, July 14, 2021, we will be returning to the First Baptist Church for intake and menu completion. Our hours will remain 10:00am - 2:00pm. Those who cannot physically come to the pantry may call 413-664-0123 on Wednesday from 9:30am-2:00pm to set up a delivery for Thursday between 9:30am-12:00pm. We will continue to distribute pre-packaged boxes of food based on household size for deliveries. However, please specify cans or no cans. If you can get to the pantry, we will offer rides home. WEARING A MASK IS MANDATORY FOR DRIVERS AND RIDERS. We thank everyone for their cooperation during the pandemic. Please bear with us as we transition to operating procedures that offer more choice and interaction. We will post updates on FACEBOOK and through other means as we do our best to return to normal. IF you need a delivery, please call 413-664-0123 by 2:00 pm on Wednesday for delivery on Thursday. There will be no deliveries on Wednesday. IF UNVACCINATED, PLEASE WEAR A MASK.
Berkshire Dream Center Mobile Food Pantry, 413-522-3495. 4th Wednesday of the month. North Adams Locations: Mohawk Forest at 5:00pm, Brayton Hill at 5:45pm, Greylock at 6:30pm. No requirements.
Cheshire Food Pantry at the Cheshire Community Center, 119 School Street,
Cheshire 413-743-9719, 1st Saturday of each month 11:00am – noon
Available to all Cheshire residents with proof of residency. Emergency food is also available.
Community Bible Church, 160 Bridges Road, Williamstown, 413-458-5556
3rd Wednesday of each month, noon – 2:00pm. Must be a Mass. resident.
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Mobile Food Bank, Adams: Held at the Adams Council on Aging/Adams Visitors’ Center, 3 Hoosac Street, Adams 413-247-9738, ext. 121; 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of each month; 10:00am – 11:00am. No proof of eligibility required. Must be Berkshire County resident. One distribution per household.
The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Mobile Food Bank North Adams: American Legion 124 American Legion Drive, North Adams 413-247-9738, ext. 121; 1st and 3rd Fridays of each month; 10:00am – 11:00am; No proof of eligibility required. One distribution per household.
St. John Paul II Charity Center, Rte. 8 across from Walgreens, Adams, 413-743-0577. Wednesdays 11:00am – 1:00pm. Assistance to residents of Adams, Cheshire, and Savoy.
The Salvation Army Gateway New Life Center, 393 River Street, North Adams. Tuesdays 12Noon – 3:00pm. For Emergency Pantry please call 413-663-7987. Deliveries on Wednesdays, noon–2:00pm. Call 413-663-7987 on Tuesdays 10:00am-noon to schedule a delivery. For North County residents only.
Williamstown Food Pantry at St. Patrick & St. Raphael Parish: 53 Southworth Street, Williamstown, 413-458-4946, x11 or 413-458-3149. 1st and 3rd Wednesdays 9:00am – Noon. Drive or walk-thru. Assistance to residents of Hancock, New Ashford, Williamstown, and Pownal, VT.
Meal Sites:
Adams COA: 3 Hoosac Street, Adams 413-743-8333. Mondays thru Fridays
Congregate meals available for grab & go. Must call Adams COA 24 hours prior.
Berkshire Food Project: First Congregational Church of N. Adams, 134 Main Street, North Adams 413-664-7378. Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 11:30am – 1:00pm
Cheshire COA Held at Cheshire Community Center, 119 School Street, Cheshire 413-743-9719. Mondays thru Fridays,10:15am – Noon. Congregate meals available for grab & go. Must call Cheshire COA.
First Baptist Church Community Soup Kitchen Eagle Street Entrance, 131 Main Street, North Adams, 413-652-7619. Saturdays 11:00am – 12:30pm.
North Adams COA, Mary Spitzer Center, 116 Ashland Street North Adams 413-662-3125, Mondays thru Fridays 11:30am – Noon, Congregate meals available for 60+ for pick-up only – Must call one day in advance to reserve meal. Please call 413-664-9826.
Other Food Programs
Brown Bag Program: This program is a supplemental monthly food program offering 10-15 pounds of food to eligible individuals, 55 years or older, free or for a small donation. For income eligibility requirements and further information, call your Council on Aging.
Elder Services’ Elder Nutrition Program: Noontime meals are offered for those 60 years of age and older at several senior centers throughout the County. Some sites offer transportation through the Council on Aging. A suggested donation of $2.00 per meal is requested. Individuals under 60 years of age are welcome for a required fee of $7.00 per meal. Call Elder Services of Berkshire County for information and locations at 413-499-0524 or 1-800-981-5201.
Elder Services’ Meals on Wheels Program: Nutritious, hot noontime meals are offered Monday through Friday to homebound Berkshire seniors, who are 60 years of age or older. A suggested donation of $2.00 is requested to help cover the cost of food preparation and delivery. There are eligibility requirements. Please call Elder Services of Berkshire County at 413-499-0524 to make a referral for yourself, family member or friend.
Take and Eat Program: A program for individuals 60 years of age and older who are homebound, unable to prepare meals, shop, or get out. Meals are delivered on Sundays and are provided for weekends and three-day holiday weekends. Contact Kathleen Ryan at 413-672-1404 or 413-664-1041 for information.
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The nbCC Family Resource Center is open! Give us a call at 413-663-7588 if you'd like to learn more about the services we provide, or stop in during our office hours.
Childcare Vouchers are available from Seven Hills Foundation by calling 413-236-5890; or contacting Jean at 508-796-0270, jburris@sevenhills.org, or Mabel at 508-796-0271, mcimini@sevehills.org.
Department of Early Education and Care: (413) 788-8401
WIC: 510 North Street & North Adams WIC sites are currently closed until further notice, but we are serving our Participants over the phone. If you already have an upcoming appointment, we will call you in the near future to help you and to load your benefits onto your WIC Card. If you do not have a scheduled appointment or if you have questions, please call our Pittsfield office at (413) 447-3495 - if we are unable to answer, please leave a voicemail. We will call you back as soon as possible and apologize for the delay. Find the income eligibility guidelines here.
WIC: Nuestras oficinas de 510 North Street & North Adams WIC esta'n actualmente cerrados, pero estamos atendiendo a nuestros participants por tele'fono. Si ya tienes una pro'xima cita programada, lo llamaremos en un future cercano para ayudarlo y cargar sus beneficios en si tarjeta de WIC. Si no tiene una cita programada o si tiene preguntas, por favor llame a 413-447-3495 deje una mensage de voz. Le devolveremos a llamada lo mas antes possible y le pedimos disculpas por cualquier retraso. Consulte las pautas de elegibilidad aquí.
Berkshire Community Diaper Project: We would be willing to bring diapers to sites for families who need them. The best way to do this is to have a person at the site be in touch with us directly so we know what size diapers and how many of each are needed. We can then deliver diapers to these sites. Please contact us by email (daltreyt@gmail.com) or call me at 413-446-5038 to let me know if we can be of help.
Parental Stress Line. The current national health emergency is causing many parents anxiety. How do I protect my children? What do I tell them? Or simply, how do I keep them busy when there is no school? The Parental stress line counselors are still there to listen to your concerns and problem-solve with you, 24-7, free and confidential. CALL: 800-632-8188.
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NEW! Northern Berkshire Habitat for Humanity (NBHfH) is now accepting applications for a 3-bedroom, 1.5 bath home, located in Williamstown at 14 Maple Street. Construction will begin this fall. The application deadline is Friday, October 22. Individual information sessions will be available by appointment. These sessions are for family applicants to learn more about the project and eligibility for homeownership, as well as to get assistance with the application. The information sessions can be scheduled by calling 413-664-4440 or by email to office@northberkshirehabitat.org. For more information, visit the NBHfH website.
August 2021 End-of-Eviction-Moratorium Resources: With the expiration of the Eviction Moratorium there is an expected increase in the number of households that will receive Notice to Quit letters and in the number of eviction cases moving forward through the courts. There are resources that can be accessed to support individuals and families that are facing eviction or already in the eviction process. The Housing Consumer Education Center intake forms [PDF] are the entry point for the suite of programs offered through Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority. This is an outline of the various programs that are offered [PDF], including Tenancy Preservation Programs (which can be particularly helpful in cases where there is an eviction due to condemnation by the Board of Health) and the Dispute Resolution Program/Mediation Center. For more information or to access the forms online please visit www.bcrha.com. Community Legal Aid currently has designated staff specializing in housing related issues. Folks can call toll free (855-252-5342) and can apply online to access services. nbCC's Family Resource Center (FRC) can support families with filing for housing support, housing search and connecting with any number of programs that might be helpful through their Family Support Workers. Download their referral form here.
Community Legal Aid’s CORI and Re-Entry Project of Berkshire County: Despite the fact that you may never have been found guilty of a charge, or that you fulfilled any requirements of a guilty plea or verdict, you might be having trouble finding or keeping housing or employment because of your Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI). We may be able to help. Civil or “collateral” consequences is the term often used to describe the difficulties facing people with CORI when they try to put their past behind them and move forward. If you are facing any of the following legal issues due to criminal court involvement, incarceration, and/or a substance or alcohol use disorder, we may be able to assist you with: sealing and expungement of CORI, public and subsidized housing denials, public and subsidized housing terminations, employment denials, and/or housing discrimination based on substance and alcohol use disorder issues. Contact us at 413-499-1950 or apply online www.communitylegal.org. Download a flyer here.
If you are concerned about being able to pay your rent or mortgage arrears when the eviction and foreclosure moratorium ends, Berkshire Housing services are available to help you, including tenant/landlord/homeowner housing counseling; dispute resolution; tenancy preservation; financial assistance if eligible; and much more! The first step is to complete the Assessment Form found here. The assessment is available in English and Spanish and can be submitted via PDF. If a household must print the form it can be faxed to 413-496-9831 or mailed to Berkshire Housing Development Corp./Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority; ATTN: HCEC Assessment, P.O. Box 1180, Pittsfield, MA 01202. If you do not have a computer or need additional guidance, please call (413) 499-1630, ext. 157, and leave a message. The phone line is checked multiple times during the week Monday through Friday.
Although Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority's (BCRHA) physical office space will be closed to the public, BCRHA staff will continue to work with households in need of assistance through telephone and video conferences, when possible. You may leave a message at the following number (413) 443-7138. This number will be checked periodically throughout each weekday. You can also go to BCRHA's website www.bcrha.com to access the staff directory as well.
Louison House, Inc. remains OPEN for services. For all Housing needs contact Louison House at 413-663-6323. Ext 4 has staff on duty 24/7. Louison House provides assistance for individuals for their immediate housing needs in order to support them in obtaining and/or maintaining safe affordable housing.
Our transitional housing provides congregate shelter for homeless in our recently rebuilt building, known as Terry's Place, at 395 Old Columbia Street, Adams. Affordable housing is provided long term to chronic homeless individuals and families in apartments in North Adams. Additional affordable housing will soon be available through rental units in Adams at Columbia Street and later this summer in North Adams.
The North Adams building, the Flood House, at 149 Church Street in North Adams remains open for services for housing assistance and Representative Payee services by appointment. Email kkeeser@louisonhouse.org to be added to our newsletter list.
Barton's Crossing (Shelter for Individuals, 18 yrs and older): 1307 North St, Pittsfield (413) 442-1445. On a first-come, first-serve basis a person starts out ISB (immediate shelter bed). In at 4 p.m., out at 7:00 a.m., they repeat this process until there are openings in the house. They get meals, a bed, shower and laundry. When a regular bed opens, they gain intensive case management to end their homelessness.
Our Friend's House (Shelter for Families): 292 West Street, Pittsfield (413) 499-2877. A homeless family is first triaged through Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority to see if they qualify for Emergency Assistance. While this could lead to their having to leave town, it also qualifies them for benefits they wouldn't ordinarily receive. If not qualifying, they are added to OFH's waitlist until an opening becomes available. Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority: (413) 443-7138.
The HomeBase Program is a new program designed to provide a housing solution to families who are at serious risk of homelessness, and provide an alternative to going to a family shelter or motel. The type of assistance is based on the individual needs of a family, and will be determined through an assessment. Families who are determined to be Emergency Assistance (EA) eligible by a DHCD Homeless Coordinator may be eligible for the HomeBase Program if the reason for homelessness relates to health and safety, overcrowding, asked to leave or evicted from housing, among other reasons. IF YOU KNOW OF A FAMILY IN A HOUSING CRISIS WHO NEEDS HELP, TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE HOMEBASE PROGRAM, YOU CAN CONTACT BCRHA: 1-800-248-9002.
Dial 211 for general information about programs that may be available, or visit www.mass211help.org.
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61 Main Street, Suite 218
North Adams. MA 01247
Tel: (413) 663-7588 | Fax: (413) 663-9877
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