 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. ServiceNet Hosts Warming Center at The PearlAt the beginning of the month, ServiceNet soft opened a warming center at its shelter behind First United Methodist Church. The Pearl opened earlier this year and has a waitlist for one of its 40 beds.  Pittsfield Takes 'Big Step' With Supportive HousingOn Tuesday, Hearthway Inc. hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking for 37 new units of supportive housing, 28 on vacant land on West Housatonic Street and nine at Zion Lutheran Church on First Street. Pittsfield Homeless Panel Mulls Pressures of State Sheltering ChangesDirector of Community Development Justine Dodds said that there aren't enough resources or housing to go around and it's becoming increasingly challenging, especially with the limitations on some of these programs. Berkshire 'Point In Time' Count on Homelessness Likely to IncreaseThe count that gauges local homelessness was taken on Jan. 31 this year and the number is expected to increase over last year based on city and nationwide trends.  New ServiceNet Shelter 'The Pearl' Opens in PittsfieldThe Pearl aims to provide a sense of community for folks experiencing homelessness while connecting them with services to aid their situation. |
