Pittsfield Seeks Input on Fair Housing

03:30PM / Tuesday, December 19, 2023Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield is seeking public input as part of an analysis focusing on fair housing, discriminatory housing policies and practices required by the federal Fair Housing Act.

This analysis will identify local concerns and guide the City on how to allocate federal funds to improve economic equity and growth in the community.

A public comment period is now open through Jan. 16, 2024 seeking input regarding barriers to access to housing, public services, employment, transportation, and education based on race, age, income, or disability.

Comments can be sent by email to njoyner@cityofpittsfield.org or by mail to the: Department of Community Development, Pittsfield City Hall, 70 Allen Street Pittsfield, MA 01201.

Also, a survey, with questions about Fair Housing in your community, is available in both English

and Spanish at these links:

Fair Housing Survey (English)

Fair Housing Survey (Spanish)

These surveys are also available on the city's website cityofpittsfield.org, under Community Development/Fair Housing Survey. The survey will be open through Jan. 16, 2024.

For further information, contact the Pittsfield Department of Community Development, (413) 499-9358.

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Second Streets Second Chances Awarded $85K for Workforce Re-Entry Program

By Brittany Polito03:00PM / Monday, September 28, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A local program for formerly incarcerated citizens seeking a technical career received $85,000 from the state.

On Thursday, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $2.25 million in Re-entry Workforce Development Demonstration Program grants to 12 organizations that will provide job training, career support, and employment opportunities to 445 formerly incarcerated individuals returning to their communities.

Second Street Second Chances was allocated $84,712 to partner with the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office to offer a training program to 12 returning citizens with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry.

The funds will be used to put 12 returning citizens through a training program with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in manufacturing and welding roles at Onyx Specialty Papers and Hi-Tech Mold and Tool.

The program was one of 12 awardees, a majority on the eastern side of the state; Greenfield also saw funding.

"When people return to their communities, they should have a real opportunity to get a good job, support their families and build a stable future," said Gov. Maura Healey in a press release.

"These grants connect people with the training and experience they need to succeed and with employers that are ready to hire."

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said successful reentry means making sure people have the tools and opportunities to move forward, and these programs bring together community organizations, public safety partners, and employers to connect people directly with training and jobs.

Launched in 2022, Second Street Second Chances' mission is to provide a central point of access for medical and mental health, housing, job training, legal services, and more for a successful reentry into the community.

Early this year, the nonprofit saw an $89,000 grant from the program. Executive Director Lindsay Cornwell at the time said this funding allowed 2nd Street to expand its mission of supporting returning citizens in Berkshire County through meaningful workforce opportunities and a pathway toward sustainable employment.

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