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e-Zine: Weekly Updates for Northern Berkshire
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Dear Northern Berkshire,
The weekly e-zine offers updates about our upcoming programming, local events of interest, and area agencies and resources
IN THIS EDITION
- Events for today through next Wednesday
- Save the Date: Upcoming Events
- New Resources & Agency Updates
- Food Access & Distribution Sites
- Additional resources and resource updates
For a more comprehensive guide to ongoing area resources, please download the nbCC's Community Resource Guide.
Do you have an event or resource you'd like to see included? Send an email to phzine@nbccoalition.org.
Want to read this email in your browser? View this as a web page.
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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nbCC's Community Resource Guide is out now in English 2022 Edition and Spanish 2022 Edition is available for download below.
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, elder services, veterans 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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COMMUNITY EVENTS: THURS. 2/23 - WED. 3/1 | |
10-11:30 AM |Preschool Pals Group Drop-In Playgroup at Williamtown Youth Center (66 School Street Williamstown). Join us with children 3-5yrs, for play in the gym, activities, geared towards preschool readiness. Free drop In playgroup. Call 413-664-4821 with any questions.
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10:30 AM | Story and Craft Time with Nora | 4yrs+
At the North Adams Public Library. 10:30AM. Read a story and make a craft with community guests and library staff. Drop in Thursdays at 10:30am. More info.
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11AM-1PM | nbCC Free Family Fun Skate Day
Join the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition Family Resource Center on Thursday, February 23, from 11:00am-1:00pm at the North Adams Skating Rink for a few hours of FREE family fun! Free rentals, skating admission, light snacks and hot chocolate.
Parents must accompany children. Transportation upon request with at least 24hrs notice.
No registration required, unless you need transportation.
413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org
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1 PM | Balance Exercise Class | Ages 55+
Spitzer Center,116 Ashland St., North Adams. For ages 55+. Presented by the North Adams Council on Aging. 413-662-3125
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3-6PM | Homework Help | Grades 8-12
For more information call or tex 413-663-0250. at ROOTs Teen Center, 51 Ashland Street.
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4:30-5:30PM | Surviving Your Adolescent Parenting Series
This 5 week series takes place on Thursdays, from 4:30-5:30PM.
This parent education program is FREE, but space is limited.
Registration REQUIRED: 413-663-7588 or nkennedy@nbccoalition.org
What is typical teen behavior? What’s your biggest challenge as a
parent? Join other parents of adolescents to learn tips and tricks for parenting their teens!
Snacks are provided. Transportation and child care available with at least 24hrs notice.
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3:30-5PM | LBGTQ+ Teen Meet-Up | Ages 11-15
For more information call or tex 413-663-0250. at ROOTs Teen Center, 51 Ashland Street.
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4-5 PM | Jumping Beans Playgroup | Ages 1-8 yrs.
Inside the Family Center at 210 State Street North Adams. For children ages 1 to 8 years old. Join us for activities, story time and songs. Free drop in Playgroup, use doorbell for entering building. Call 413-664-4821 for more information.
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10AM | Adams Free Library Storytime | Preschoolers
Every Friday at 10AM in the Lower Annex Meeting RoomTalk, sing, read, write, and play with us! Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to join us for fun songs, rhymes, stories, finger plays, and crafts all designed to build early literacy skills.This is a free program hosted by the Adams Free Library
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10AM | Baby’s First Year Group | 0-12 Months
Friday mornings 10-11am inside of the Family Center at 210 State Street, North Adams. For parents and children under 12 months. Meet other parents, gain support and enjoy play with your baby. Free drop in Playgroup, use doorbell for entering building. Call 413-664-4821 for more information.
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10:30AM | Community Sing & Play | Families with young children
Community Sing & Play is an interactive story time for young children followed by open play and an activity. This is a free, drop-in program. St. John Episcopal Church, 35 Park St., Williamstown.
More info.
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1-4 PM | UNO Community Center Coffee Time | Everyone
157 River St., North Adams: Each Friday, 1-4pm. Come on over and join the UNO neighbors for coffee and conversation. All are welcome.
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3-7PM | Engaging the Youth Drop in Hours | Grades 8-12
For more information call or tex 413-663-0250. at ROOTs Teen Center, 51 Ashland Street.
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6-8 PM | Kids' Night Out at the Y | Ages 7-12
Give yourself some TLC while your kids enjoy time socializing with peers. Drop-off your 7-12yr olds at the Northern Berkshire YMCA to enjoy activities like games, pool time, crafts, and pizza while you take a couple of hours to yourself. Free to BFYMCA members/ $5 for non-members. For more information: 413-663-6529 or brousseau@bfymca.org
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6-8 PM | Common Craft Night | Everyone
Open invitation for creators and makers to work on projects in our space to build connections and friendships within the creative community. All are welcome!
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10AM - 1PM | Winter Woes Clowning Workshop
2/4/2023, 2/11/2023, 2/18/2023 and 2/25/2023. At the Art Lab (49 Main Street, North Adams, MA 01247) Wrestle back the winter woes with this playful and physical exploration of classic red-nose clowning! To register and for more information, please go to: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/506633443267
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1-2 PM | Pups At the Park | Dogs and their Humans
Berkshire Pup People, we love to play and meet other pups (and humans) who feel the same. That’s why we’re headed to the North Adams dog park every Sunday from 1 - 2pm (ish)! Why don’t you meet us there?
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8:30AM | BCAC Coffee with Representative Barrett Join Berkshire Community Action Council and Representative John Barrett III. Share your input on how we can better support our low-income Berkshire Neighbors. 1st floor, 85 Main Street North Adams
Please RSVP to Aleta or Karen at 413-663-3014
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10-11:30 AM | Busy Bees Play and Learn Group Drop-In Playgroup at Williamtown Youth Center (66 School Street Williamstown). Join us for play in the gym, activities, story time and songs. Free drop In playgroup. Call 413-664-4821 with any questions.
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10AM | Cribbage | Ages 55+ Don't know how to play? We'll teach you.
12:30 PM | Bridge Games | Ages 55+
Spitzer Center,116 Ashland St., North Adams. For ages 55+. Presented by the North Adams Council on Aging. 413-662-3125
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3-7 PM | ROOTS Teen Center Engaging the Youth Drop-In Hours
51 Ashland Street, North Adams. Play games or foosball, watch movies, use art supplies, eat snacks, and hang out with your friends! FREE. No registration required. Open to all youth ages 13-19. dropin@rootsteencenter.org or 413-663-0250
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5-6:30 PM | nbCC Youth Empowerment Program, 61 Main Street, Rm. 213, North Adams. Free and open to youth, 6-8th grade, who live in or attend school in North Berkshire. A weekly group to talk about school, emotions, navigating teen years, making friends and more. Snacks provided; transportation available. Register 413-663-7588
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5:30-7:30PM | Positive Solutions for Families (7 Week parenting series via zoom)
Virtual parenting series. Call 413-664-4821 with any questions or to register.
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10AM-12PM | Berkshire Nursing Families Baby Group | Breast Feeding Families
free breastfeeding support - hosted by Berkshire Nursing Families Staff in Family Center playroom at 210 State Street North Adams - Call (413) 344-2800 For more information.
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10:30-11:30AM | Toddler Time at the North Adams Public Library located at 74 Church Street. Let's read some stories and get the wiggles out! No registration required. Masks please.
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12:10 PM | Bingo | Ages 55+
Spitzer Center,116 Ashland St., North Adams. For ages 55+. Presented by the North Adams Council on Aging. 413-662-3125
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1-2PM | Winter STEAM activities with CCB | Children ages 3-8 at Adams Free Library, 92 Park st. | |
2-4PM | Not Only Knitters Group at the North Adams Public Library located at 74 Church Street. All ages and abilities welcome! Love to crochet or needlepoint? No problem. You do you. Whatever fiber craft you can do from an easy chair, you're welcome to join in! | |
3-6PM | Real Talk OH at ROOTS | Ages 13-19
Free weekly group with local clinical social worker Keith Jones.To register: call or tex 413-663-0250. at ROOTs Teen Center, 51 Ashland Street.
3-6PM | Etched Glass Workshop
Teen artists lend me your ears, ROOTS 4th Annual Show Your Teen Spirit is coming up on March 11th and we are looking to showcase teen talent, whether that’s in the form of a performance, or a piece of art created by our Youth.
Becky from @berkshiredancetheatre will be joining us on Tuesday, February 28th at 3PM to teach our teens how to create Etched Glass and handmade flowers to be displayed as centerpieces at the Show Your Teen Spirit Event.
Take this opportunity to work with a different medium artistically and have the product be displayed to your community.
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3:30-4:30pm | Drop-In Art Club | 8-19 YRS
Join the fun at our Drop-In Art Club! Designed for youth, ages 8 up to 19. Providing free after-school activities to youth, every Tuesday, at the UNO Community Center, 157 River Street, North Adams. Caregivers are not required to attend, but the program facilitators are not responsible for childcare. Snacks and supplies provided! Call or email the nbCC for more info: 413-663-7588 or gglasier@nbccoalition.org
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5-7 PM | nbCC Youth Leadership Program, 61 Main Street, Rm. 213, North Adams. Free and open to youth ages 14-19 who live in or attend school in North Berkshire. Young people are changing the world and you can too. Make a positive change in yourself and the world around you. Develop leadership skills, discuss what drives you, meet other young leaders and plan projects in your community. Snacks provided; transportation available. Call 413-663-7588
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9:30 AM | Tai Chi | Ages 55+
Spitzer Center,116 Ashland St., North Adams. For ages 55+. Presented by the North Adams Council on Aging. 413-662-3125
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10-11 AM | Baby & Me at the Y | Ages 6-18 months
22 Brickyard Ct., North Adams. This is a program for children ages 6-18 months and their parents. All parents are welcome! FREE to Y members. Y membership required. 30-minutes of optional swim time in a dedicated pool space with you, your child, and other playtime members! To register: Brandon, 413-663-6529, brousseau@bfymca.org
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10:30-11:30 AM | Terrific Tots Play & Learn Group | Ages 18mo. - 4yrs
The Family Center playroom at 210 State Street. For families with children 18 months through 4 years in the Family Center Playroom at 210 State Street. Drop In playgroup. Call 413-664-4821 with any questions.
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11AM-1PM | NB YMCA Wellness Wednesday
Free and open to the public. Join us and our community partners and commit to keeping your spirit, mind and body well! 22 Brickyard Ct., North Adams. 413-663-6529
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1 PM | Chair Yoga | Ages 55+
Spitzer Center,116 Ashland St., North Adams. For ages 55+. Presented by the North Adams Council on Aging. 413-662-3125
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3:30-4:30PM | LEGOs at the Library | NA Public Library | Ages 6+
Legos are back at the library! Join your fellow Lego lovers in the Youth Services department every other Wednesday in September and October for some drop-in free play
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3-7 PM | ROOTS Teen Fitness Day at NB YMCA | 13 - 19 Year olds
Shuttle from 51 Ashland Street, North Adams available at 3:30pm. Teen Fitness Days at the @berkshirefamilyymca Northern Berkshire Division YMCA will take place every Wednesday from 3:30-6PM.
Teens will have access to the basketball court, workout equipment and the pool FREE of cost on Wednesdays only.
Teens MUST have signed and had their parents sign the ROOTS Teen YMCA Fitness Days Permission form found at www.rootsteencenter.org/ teen-fitness-days-permission or provided in person during Engaging the Youth.
Our friends from nbCC will provide a shuttle that leaves ROOTS at 3:30PM and again at approximately 4:15PM to take teens to the YMCA.
Teens in good behavioral standings with ROOTS Staff will have a chance to win full YMCA memberships via a random drawing that ROOTS will hold monthly.
Every Wednesday starting February 1st, Teen Fitness Days will replace Engage the Youth (Drop-In) hours. Meaning if your teen does not have their permission slips signed to go to the YMCA, they WILL NOT be able to go to ROOTS on Wednesdays.
It’s going to be a good time! Tag along with us to the YMCA on Wednesdays!
dropin@rootsteencenter.org or 413-663-0250
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5-7 PM | nbCC Teen Writing Workshop | Ages 13-19
nbCC Conf. Rm. 213, 61 Main Street, North Adams. Free and open to youth ages 13-19 who live in or attend school in North Berkshire. Aspiring writers and poets! Join this incredibly supportive group and get 1-on-1 support from peer and creative mentors! with your writing and performance style. Opportunities to perform and be published. Snacks and supplies provided; transportation available. More info. call 413-663-7588
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3/3 - 5PM | North Adams First Friday Downtown
3/3 - 7PM | Dance Party Fundraiser at Installation Space More info.
3/4 - 5:30PM | BNF's 19th Annual Team Trivia Fundraiser More info.
3/11 - 6PM | Show Your Teen Spirit Fundraiser for ROOTs More info.
3/11 - 8PM | Northern Lights Ball by North Adams Pride More Info.
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New Resources and Agency Updates | |
North Adams COA February Newsletter
Adams COA February Newsletter
Williamstown COA February Newsletter/calendar
Child Care of the Berkshires February Calendar
North Adams Public Library Calendar
ADDED THIS WEEK:
The Veterans Office is Seeking Donations for their Food Pantry - March 1-31
POTATO CHIPS, NACHO CHIPS, POPCORN (ALL SORTS,) CRACKERS, GRANOLA BARS, MIXED NUTS, JERKY, DRIED FRUIT, PROTEIN BARS, WATER, GATORADE, TEAS, COFFEES, NON-
PERISHABLE CHEESES, COOKIES (ALL SORTS), DISHWASH DET., LAUNDRY DET.
ALL DONATIONS CAN BE DROPPED OFF AT CITY HALL 10 MAIN ST. SUITE 101 NORTH ADAMS MA, 01220 (413) 662-3040. CONTACT: TINA SAMSON @ 413-662-3040.
PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED:
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development understands that our schools are often called upon to assist in connecting families to key resources such as housing, health services and access to food. To assist in helping to connect you with these resources I wanted to share the links to our Massachusetts Housing Resource Guide that is available in both English and Spanish. This guide is also available in hard copy by emailing ma_webmanager@hud.gov. The guide includes information on a number of different housing and homeless services that are available to assist families. All of this information and a fillable online form to request housing support is also available on the BCRHA website: https://bcrha.com
Housing Navigator MA,Inc. is a tech nonprofit that aims to connect housing, tech, and design. Working with owners and public sector partners, we’ve built a database of income-restricted rentals from all over the state. Our work aims to connect people to a place called home by expanding access to affordable rental housing in MA through our work with 40+ owners who list their properties with us.For more information or to explore the site please visit https://housingnavigatorma.org.
Mass Health has launched a new program called Mitigating the Cost of Housing Program (MATCH).The program will allow clients to receive funds to support moving into a new apartment. This would include all managed care plans (Berkshire Fallon, Tufts Together, CommonWealth Care Alliance, MBHP).
- Eligible families can receive up to $5500 per member in their family. This means a family of four could get as much as $22,000
- To qualify you must be entering the community:
- Renting an apartment that is not currently in your name (just moving in/new lease)
- This could include new members to the community
- People house sharing
- People just getting out of Rehab, Prison or a Psychiatric Hospitalization
- Homeless and moving into an apartment
For more information and to review eligibility criteria please visit Masshealth's MATCH website.
North Adams Public Schools is establishing a roster of volunteers for a variety of opportunities in grades PK-12. Volunteer opportunities will vary with regard to time commitment and age groups of students that volunteers will work with. Opportunities can be tailored to meet all interests of all parties and can be short-term or longer-term commitments. Even if you are only available for only a few hours a year, opportunities that are low-commitment but high-impact arise all the time! We will reach out as matching volunteer positions become available. We ask any interested parties to complete this form. If you have questions about the questionnaire or volunteering with NAPS, please email familysupports@napsk12.org.
The Berkshire Food Project is now hosting indoor dining
on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 11:30 to 1 p.m. We have two
highly experienced food service professionals on staff with chef
credentials, and the food is amazing. Come and see! All are welcome!
Berkshire Bounty is a food rescue organization dedicated to collecting, purchasing and delivering nutritious food to emergency food distribution programs countywide. We build capacity, close gaps and improve the quality of food for the food insecure population.
We are seeking volunteers to pick up food from retailers and deliver to food access sites in North County. Volunteers use their own vehicles and commit to a specific day/time and route. See website for more information and to register: https://www.berkshirebounty.org/volunteer
Extra COVID Food Funds for Families Ending March 2
Extra COVID Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, known as SNAP Emergency Allotments, were created during the pandemic to help individuals and families buy food. These extra COVID benefits are the difference between a household’s normal benefit amount and the maximum amount for their household size, with a minimum amount of $95 a month. The benefits have been put on EBT cards at the beginning of each month. Since March 2020, Massachusetts has elected to utilize this temporary benefit program that was made available under the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act.
Recent action by the federal government (through the Congressional Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023) ends the extra COVID SNAP benefits as of February 2023. This means that Massachusetts households will receive their last extra COVID SNAP payment on March 2, 2023.
The state has launched a new website: Mass.gov/ExtraCOVIDSNAP to help residents plan for the end of these temporary federal benefits. Over the next several months, individuals and families should explore any optional expenses that may increase their normal SNAP benefits.
Help spread the word about the end of these extra COVID SNAP benefits:
Encourage households to visit Mass.gov/ExtraCOVIDSNAP to learn how they can get the most out of their SNAP benefits, save some of it to help after March 2, and be connected with other resources
Northern Berkshire Adult Education, located at Drury High School, has openings for adult education, GED preparation, and college and career support classes. Offering morning, afternoon, evening, and remote class options. Prepare to take and pass your GED tests, and get ready to enroll in post-secondary education or career development. Contact our Program Director, Annie Pecor at (413) 412 - 1118 or apecor@napsk12.org and visit us online at https://www.napsk12.org/page/adult-basic-education.
The Collaborative for Educational Services has a number of upcoming virtual Youth Mental Health First Aid Trainings. You can register here: https://www.collaborative.org/event/youth-mental-health-blended/. Participants will complete 2 hours of self-paced work in advance of the YMHFA class. The individual work will be followed up by a 4 ½ hour group class that will be held online.
The Massachusetts telehealth service for COVID-19 treatment can now be accessed by a telephone number (833-273-6330) in addition to the website below. The telehealth service can tell you if the COVID-19 pill is right for you, and the pills can be sent to your pharmacy or to your home for free.Please see this new flyer and share this new resource with your residents. Translated versions will be ready soon.
Easy, free care for COVID-19 (color.com)
Free at home test kits here: https://special.usps.com/testkits. Many expiration dates have been extended. For a list of updated expiration dates: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests#list
NORTHERN BERKSHIRE ADULT EDUCATION & MCCANN TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL TO LAUNCH 16-WEEK CULINARY ARTS PROGRAM FOR ADULT LEARNERS
This 16-week Culinary Arts program will allow participants, seeking their GED/HiSET to graduate from the program with an OSHA-10 certification, ServSafe Food Handler Certification, as well as ServSafe Allergen training. Students will have two nights of hands-on culinary training and one evening of adult education class, with workforce readiness and digital literacy skills as part of the program.
To enroll: call Annie Pecor, Program Director at 413-412-1118 or email apecor@napsk12.org. Space is limited - call today to join the first cohort of students! Participants must be seeking a high school credential, be at least 16 years of age, and not currently enrolled in a high school.
COVID-19 In-Home Vaccination Program (info link below). This is for anyone who has difficulty getting to,or using a community vaccination location, for whatever reason. This program is available statewide, including the Islands. Ages 6 months and up. (What a great way to get an entire busy family with young kids vaccinated – or folks who have transportation issues- or homebound elders!) More Information. All vaccine types (Pfizer, Moderna, Novavax, and J&J) and boosters are available. You can sign up for an appointment by phone at (833) 983-0485 or online.
COVID-19 In-Home Vaccination Program | Mass.gov
MassHire is now sitting at the BCAC office every Tuesdays (9am-3pm). They are offering help with job searches (not unemployment). People can make an appointment by calling 413-499-2220. They do also accept walk-ins. Masks are required.
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 want to remind everyone of Open Enrollment which begins on November 1st and runs through until January 23, 2023. This is the time to enroll without needing a qualifying event to enroll in insurance or to make changes to your current application.
DTA: EBT Benefit Theft: EBT card users are being encouraged to re-PIN their cards to prevent benefit theft. More info here and here.
DTA North Adams Satellite Office located at 45 Main Street in North Adams. Effective October 1, the North Adams Satellite Office will be open for business on Tuesdays from 8:45am – 5:00pm; the office will no longer be open on Thursdays, after October 1. The agency will have signs on the door to notify clients and will be updating the mass.gov website.Clients can continue to use the DTA Assistance line 877-382-2363, DTA Connect mobile app and DTAConnect.com for their DTA needs.
BCAC is seeking volunteer van drivers! For those interest in learning more of applying please contact Michelle Sylvester at (413) 418-3675 or email: msylvester@bcacinc.org
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED at Berkshire Food Project. Food Prep, Dishwashing, Cleaning Helpers Needed The Berkshire Food Project has various jobs for volunteers to fill. Among the most needed are for dishwashers, food preparers, and cleaners. Contact Mark: 413-329-4960 or director@berkshirefoodproject.org
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Food Access and Distribution Sites | |
FOOD PANTRIES & MEAL SITES
Download a PDF of county-wide food pantry and meal site resources here. (Updated Nov. 17, 2022) En Espanol
ADAMS
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2nd & 4th TUESDAYS, 10-11 AM: The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Mobile Food Bank PANTRY, Adams: Adams Council on Aging/Adams Visitors’ Center, 3 Hoosac Street 413-247-9738, ext. 121; No proof of eligibility required. Must be Berkshire County resident. One distribution per household.
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MON. - THURS. Congregate meals MEAL SITE at 11:30AM. FRI. GRAB & GO MEALS: 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.
CHESHIRE
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1st SATURDAYS, 11AM-Noon: Cheshire Food PANTRY at the Cheshire Community Center, 119 School Street, Cheshire 413-743-9719. Available to all Cheshire residents with proof of residency. Emergency food is also available.
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MON. thru FRI., 10:15AM-Noon: GRAB & GO MEAL SITE: Cheshire COA Cheshire Community Center, 119 School Street, Cheshire 413-743-9719. Congregate meals available for grab & go. Must call Cheshire COA.
NORTH ADAMS
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TUESDAY, Noon-3 PM for In-Person / (*WEDNESDAYS, Noon-2 PM for delivery) | PANTRY The Salvation Army Gateway New Life Center 393 River Street, North Adams. For Emergency Pantry please call 413-663-7987. Deliveries on Wednesdays.*Call 413-663-7987 on Tuesdays 10:00am-noon to schedule a delivery. For North County residents only.
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WEDNESDAYS, 10 AM - 2 PM for In-Person / *THURSDAYS, 9:30AM -Noon for Delivery | PANTRY Al Nelson Friendship Center 45 Eagle Street, North Adams, 413-664-0123. Go to the First Baptist Church (Eagles St. entrance) for intake and menu completion. *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-Noon. Boxes are pre-packaged based on household size for Thursday deliveries. Please specify cans or no cans. Due to COVID rates we can no longer offer rides home. We will post updates on FACEBOOK. IF UNVACCINATED, PLEASE WEAR A MASK.
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4th WEDNESDAYS, 5 - 6:30 PM (multiple locations) | PANTRY Berkshire Dream Center Mobile Food 413-522-3495. North Adams Locations: Mohawk Forest at 5:00pm, Brayton Hill at 5:45pm, Greylock at 6:30pm. No requirements.
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1st & 3rd FRIDAYS, 10-11 AM | PANTRY The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts Mobile Food Bank Brien Center Lot, 124 American Legion Drive, North Adams 413-247-9738, ext. 121; No proof of eligibility required. One distribution per household.
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Berkshire Food Project MEAL SITE | MON./WED./FRI. 11:30 AM - 1 PM: First Congregational Church of N. Adams, 134 Main Street, North Adams 413-664-7378. * Now returned to in-house seated dining.
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First Baptist Church Community Soup Kitchen MEAL SITE | SATURDAY, 11 AM - 12:30 PM: Eagle Street Entrance, 131 Main St., North Adams, 413-652-7619.
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North Adams COA Congregate meals are Monday through Friday starting at 11:30am.
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North Adams COA Brown Bag distribution will be at the Spitzer Center at 116 Ashland Street on 4th Fridays from 12:30-1:30PM..
WILLIAMSTOWN
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Williamstown Food PANTRY | 1st & 3rd WEDNESDAYS, 9AM-Noon: at St. Patrick & St. Raphael Parish, 53 Southworth Street, Williamstown, 413-458-4946, x11 or 413-458-3149. Drive or walk-thru. Assistance to residents of Hancock, New Ashford, Williamstown, and Pownal, VT.
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Community Bible Church PANTRY. 3rd WEDNESDAYS, Noon-2 PM: 160 Bridges Road, Williamstown, 413-458-5556. Must be a Mass. residents.
OTHER FOOD PROGRAMS
Brown Bag Program: Supplemental monthly food program for eligible 55+ yr. olds, free or for a small donation. For income eligibility requirements or more information, call your Council on Aging.
Elder Services’ Elder Nutrition Program: Noontime meals for those 60+ years of age at several senior centers throughout the County.Call Elder Services of Berkshire County for details and locations at 413-499-0524 or 1-800-981-5201.
Elder Services’ Meals on Wheels Program: Nutritious, hot noontime meals offered Monday - Friday to homebound Berkshire seniors, 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: For homebound individuals 60+ years of age, unable to prepare meals, shop, or get out. Meals are delivered on Sundays and are provided for weekends and three-day holiday weekends. More info.: Kathleen Ryan at 413-672-1404 or 413-664-1041
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ADDITIONAL RESOURCES & ANNOUCEMENTS | |
HEALTH AND WELLNESS
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The Massachusetts telehealth service for COVID-19 treatment can now be accessed by a telephone number (833-273-6330) in addition to the website below. The telehealth service can tell you if the COVID-19 pill is right for you, and the pills can be sent to your pharmacy or to your home for free.Please see this new flyer and share this new resource with your residents. Translated versions will be ready soon.Easy, free care for COVID-19 (color.com)
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Free at home test kits here: https://special.usps.com/testkits. Many expiration dates have been extended. For a list of updated expiration dates: https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/coronavirus-covid-19-and-medical-devices/home-otc-covid-19-diagnostic-tests#list
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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.”
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MassHealth has expanded eligibility and coverage in response to COVID19. See the MassHealth website for more information.
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The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Berkshire County Warm Line, 413-445-1136 Call center accepts calls until 8PM. If operators are not available, callers will receive a callback within 24 hrs. Information is confidential.
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SafeLink is Massachusetts's statewide 24/7 toll-free domestic violence hotline. Confidential and anonymous. 1-877-785-2020. For more resources, visit here.
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Elizabeth Freeman Domestic Violence Prevention Center: (866) 401-2425; website
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Department of Children and Families: (413) 236-1800; website
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Al-Anon meetings are being held virtually. Visit the Berkshire Al-Anon website .
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The Massachusetts Smokers' Helpline Receive up to $50(total) of gift cards for completing coaching call series. More info. or call 1-800-Quit-Now to enroll.
- For more info. on nicotine addiction email Joyce Brewer jbrewer@berkshireahec.org.
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MA 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 The Consumer Protection Hotline: (617) 727-8400
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Wheels for Wellness - 413-395-0109 Free rides for the elderly, prioritizing health-related activities. For more info., visit the website or call 413-395-0109.
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UPDATED COVID-19 Guidelines: The CDC Community Levels are a new tool to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the latest data. Levels can be low, medium, or high and are determined by looking at hospital beds being used, hospital admissions, and the total number of new COVID-19 cases in an area. Take precautions to protect yourself and others from COVID-19 based on the COVID-19 Community Level in your area. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html.
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Funds available for funeral expenses for COVID-19 related deaths. Applications for the benefit begin by calling FEMA's hotline.
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Digital Vaccination Records: Check out MyVaxRecords.Mass.Gov.
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The COVID-19 vaccine is free for everyone. Register yourself or your child at maimmunizations.org. Download this list of vaccination locations and opportunities.
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CDC COVID Data Tracker: Visit the CDC website for national-, state-, and county-level data on COVID-19.
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Need free transportation to get a vaccine? AdLib, Inc. and County Rainbow Taxi (CRT), offer no-cost transportation to vaccine appointments for Berk. County residents with disabilities. If interested, please call AdLib at 413-442-7047 and leave a message.
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YOUTH
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ROOTS Youth Board is looking for new members to join! Participants need to be between 15 and 21 years old. If you have any questions or are interested in joining, contact Youth Board president Alexa Macdonald at rootsybpresident@gmail.com
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Student Tools for Emergency Planning (STEP): 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.
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FOOD ACCESS
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Extra COVID Food Funds for Families Ending March 2
Extra COVID Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, known as SNAP Emergency Allotments, were created during the pandemic to help individuals and families buy food. These extra COVID benefits are the difference between a household’s normal benefit amount and the maximum amount for their household size, with a minimum amount of $95 a month. The benefits have been put on EBT cards at the beginning of each month. Since March 2020, Massachusetts has elected to utilize this temporary benefit program that was made available under the Families First Coronavirus Relief Act.
Recent action by the federal government (through the Congressional Consolidated Appropriations Act 2023) ends the extra COVID SNAP benefits as of February 2023. This means that Massachusetts households will receive their last extra COVID SNAP payment on March 2, 2023.
The state has launched a new website: Mass.gov/ExtraCOVIDSNAP to help residents plan for the end of these temporary federal benefits. Over the next several months, individuals and families should explore any optional expenses that may increase their normal SNAP benefits.
Help spread the word about the end of these extra COVID SNAP benefits:
Encourage households to visit Mass.gov/ExtraCOVIDSNAP to learn how they can get the most out of their SNAP benefits, save some of it to help after March 2, and be connected with other resources
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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. Click here to see if you will get extra SNAP benefits.
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If you are in need of or would like to check on your eligibility for SNAP, please call 413-992-6204. Visit the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts website for more information.
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FAMILY SUPPORT
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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.
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The Family Center, a program of Child Care of the Berkshires, is offering virtual and in-person parent and child groups. 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 office by calling 413-664-4821. Visit the Family Center's Facebook page and Instagram page for updates on programming. FREE and open to northern Berkshire families with children under age 8.
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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 here: ASQ Online . One of our team members will follow up with your child’s results and different activities you can do to keep your child learning while playing! Questions? Email mbelanger@ccberkshire.org
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Berkshire Community Diaper Project: We would be willing to bring diapers to sites for families who need them. Please contact us by email (daltreyt@gmail.com) or call me at 413-446-5038
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Berkshire Nursing Families: 413-743 5338, www.berkshirenursingfamilies.org
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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.
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Department of Early Education and Care: (413) 788-8401
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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 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. Available in Spanish
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Parents Helping Parents Massachusetts is offering online support groups for parents. Visit the Parents Helping Parents website for more information.
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Parental Stress Line. 24-7, free and confidential. CALL: 800-632-8188.
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Child Mind Institute: Will My Child Bounce Back From the Coronavirus Crisis? Trauma, resilience and how parents can help. [En Español.]
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Adult Education, Job Readiness, Housing and Other Assistance
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Northern Berkshire Adult Education, located at Drury High School, has openings for adult education, GED preparation, and college and career support classes. Offering morning, afternoon, evening, and remote class options. Prepare to take and pass your GED tests, and get ready to enroll in post-secondary education or career development. Contact our Program Director, Annie Pecor at (413) 412 - 1118 or apecor@napsk12.org and visit us online at https://www.napsk12.org/page/adult-basic-education.
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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
- HOUSING
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The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development understands that our schools are often called upon to assist in connecting families to key resources such as housing, health services and access to food. To assist in helping to connect you with these resources I wanted to share the links to our Massachusetts Housing Resource Guide that is available in both English and Spanish. This guide is also available in hard copy by emailing ma_webmanager@hud.gov. The guide includes information on a number of different housing and homeless services that are available to assist families.
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Attached is the Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority scope of services and HCEC intake forms. All of this information and a fillable online form to request housing support is also available on the BCRHA website: https://bcrha.com
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Housing Navigator MA,Inc. is a tech nonprofit that aims to connect housing, tech, and design. Working with owners and public sector partners, we’ve built a database of income-restricted rentals from all over the state. Our work aims to connect people to a place called home by expanding access to affordable rental housing in MA through our work with 40+ owners who list their properties with us.For more information or to explore the site please visit https://housingnavigatorma.org.
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Mass Health has launched a new program called Mitigating the Cost of Housing Program (MATCH).The program will allow clients to receive funds to support moving into a new apartment. This would include all managed care plans (Berkshire Fallon, Tufts Together, CommonWealth Care Alliance, MBHP).
- Eligible families can receive up to $5500 per member in their family. This means a family of four could get as much as $22,000
- To qualify you must be entering the community:
- Renting an apartment that is not currently in your name (just moving in/new lease)
- This could include new members to the community
- People house sharing
- People just getting out of Rehab, Prison or a Psychiatric Hospitalization
- Homeless and moving into an apartment
For more information and to review eligibility criteria please visit Masshealth's MATCH website.
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Housing Navigator website: This newly launched website offers information on 2000+ affordable properties across Massachusetts.
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End-of-Eviction-Moratorium Resources: 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. Folks can call Community Legal Aid staff specializing in housing related issues, 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 programs that might be helpful through their Family Support Workers. Download their referral form here.
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Community Legal Aid’s CORI and Re-Entry Project of Berkshire County: Having trouble finding or keeping housing or employment because of your Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI)? We may be able to help by assisting 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.
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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. 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 don't 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.
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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 (413) 443-7138. Messages will be checked periodically throughout each weekday. You can also go to BCRHA's website www.bcrha.com for a staff directory.
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Louison House, Inc. remains OPEN for services and has returned to the Church Street Flood House. For all Housing needs contact Louison House at 413-663-6323, ext. 3 during regular hours. Ext 4 has staff on duty 24/7 for after hours. Louison House provides assistance for individuals for their immediate housing needs in order to support them in obtaining and/or maintaining safe affordable housing. Email kkeeser@louisonhouse.org to be added to our newsletter list.
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St Joe’s (Pittsfield Emergency Shelter) Pittsfield, 413-320-6550, website
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Our Friend's House (Shelter for Families) 292 West Street, Pittsfield (413) 499-2877
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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. 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.
- UTILITY & TAX ASSISTANCE
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The Neighbor to Neighbor Grant is available to assist with unforeseen costs. Individuals work with partner agencies to address costs associated with housing, medical bills, utilities and more.
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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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