 Pittsfield Scraps Camping Ordinance for Outreach ProgramThe City Council has scrapped the controversial "Camping Ordinance" and sees hope in an outreach program that connects unhoused individuals with resources. Pittsfield Health Board Advises Outreach ProgramOn Wednesday, the board approved its recommendations for addressing housing insecurity in the city, which will go to the City Council on Tuesday. Berkshire Athenaeum Hires Social WorkerThe Berkshire Athenaeum now has a full-time social worker to meet community members' needs that go beyond books.  The First's Housing Resource Center Opens in PittsfieldThe First's opening was announced on Facebook by Mayor Peter Marchetti, writing that it wouldn't have been possible without the city's ARPA funds, committed in 2022, and all of the partners who stepped up.  Pittsfield Resident Given OK to Distribute DoughnutsThe City Council has clarified that a charitable resident can continue distributing cider and doughnuts to people, as long as parking regulations are followed. 2026 Point in Time Count on Jan. 25The Point in Time count, which measures people experiencing homelessness, will occur on Sunday, Jan. 25, and the Three County Continuum of Care stresses that every survey matters.  Marchetti Talks New Housing, New Approaches for 2026In 2026, some of that insecurity may be alleviated as Mayor Peter Marchetti expects new housing units to come online, along with partnerships to reach people in need.  ServiceNet Warming Shelter Open and BusyCommunity members can escape the harsh temperatures and have a hot beverage at ServiceNet's warming shelter, which began in November and has been busy since. Pittsfield Hub Program Has Served 85 'High Risk' PeopleThe Pittsfield Hub has served 85 people since its establishment in 2022, and the need continues. Pittsfield Health Officials Eye Camping Ordinance AlternativeThe Board of Health plans to present recommendations around public camping in February. Pittsfield Public Camping Ban Proposal Sent to Health BoardThe City Council on Tuesday sent the controversial camping ordinance to the Board of Health and requested regular updates beginning Oct. 28.  Louison House Cuts the Ribbon on Bracewell Project for Young AdultsThe $2 million project's been in the works for several years and was funded through state and federal funds including the American Rescue Plan Act, and nonprofit organizations and foundations. It offers six efficiency units that include one family unit with two bedrooms and one handicapped accessible apartment. Pittsfield's Camping Ordinance Debate Resumes TuesdayDirector of Public Health Andy Cambi has asked that councilors refer the ordinance to the Pittsfield Board of Health for review and consultation. Amended Camping Ordinance Sent to Pittsfield City CouncilThe controversial public camping ordinance has been referred back to the City Council with several "compromises."  Pittsfield Subcommittee Says Camping Ban Needs More WorkOn Monday, it tabled the ordinance proposal after adopting amendments to remove criminalization language and the three-day ban limit for camping on private property.  Zion Church Apartments, Resource Center Nearing CompletionThe housing resource center and supportive units at Zion Lutheran Church are nearly complete, and the operators will launch a fundraising campaign to support programmatic expenses.  Pittsfield Subcommittee Mulls Controversial 'Camping Ordinance'It has sparked both outrage and a drive to collaborate across sectors to come up with solutions. Both were brought to Council Chambers last Tuesday during the public health and safety subcommittee meeting. Pittsfield Public Camping Ban Sparks Outrage at Council MeetingA proposal to ban public camping ran into pushback from residents and councilors last week. 'Safe Haven' Facility Coming to PittsfieldThe facility will employ a "housing first" model to provide an alternative to shelter placement.  ServiceNet Warming Center Hosted 126 People This WinterServiceNet's warming center has provided more than heat to unhoused individuals over the last four months and will run to the end of April.  Pittsfield Homeless Count Increases Over 2024On Wednesday, the Three County Continuum of Care presented the "sobering" 2025 PIT numbers to the Homelessness Advisory Committee.  Pittsfielders Protest 'Median Safety' Rule at Park SquarePassion was high at Park Square on Tuesday as several dozen community members protested a proposed ordinance that would ban "loitering" in medians.  Homeless 'Point in Time Count' Less Than Expected Amid Frigid WeatherThis year's Point In Time count was taken on Wednesday, Jan. 29, and while totals are still being finalized, ServiceNet saw lower numbers in its count than expected.  70 Pittsfield Students Have Been Homeless This School YearSeventy Pittsfield Public School students have been unhoused this school year, 20 more than the previous year. Pittsfield Homeless Advisory Committee Hosting Housing Resource FairThe fair will offer a variety of resources and assistance to those in the community who are seeking help with accessing stable and secure housing. |
