PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city of Pittsfield shared a new series of profiles of the 37 non-profit organizations that were awarded American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding. 

 

The City of Pittsfield received $40.6 million dollars in federal funding as part of the American Rescue Plan Act. This funding has been used to create new housing options ($8.6 million), address negative impacts from the pandemic ($6.5 million), make infrastructure improvements ($6.6 million), invest in public health ($4.9 million) and to offset lost revenue ($2.2 million).

 

$8.8 million dollars of ARPA funding was awarded to 37 non-profit organizations that serve Pittsfield residents and small businesses. These community partners have worked to help achieve the city's mission of creating a city where people are able to live up to their greatest potential, achieve prosperity and experience health, well-being, and joy. These profiles highlight the deep impact of the pandemic while showcasing the significance of working together to help support people who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by racial inequity and generational poverty.

 

"Amazing work is being done by all 37 of the city's community partners," said Deanna Ruffer, ARPA Special Projects Co-Manager. "Together, these organizations have helped hundreds of people throughout the city, many of whom were severely affected by the pandemic. The profiles raise awareness about this work and let others know about the resources available."

 

Five community partners have been profiled to date including South Community Food Pantry, George B. Crane Memorial Center, Berkshire Dream Center, Berkshire Family YMCA and Berkshire Civic Ballet.

 

The city released the sixth profile, highlighting the work of Arts in Recovery for Youth (AIRY).

 

"These profiles capture the story of how the organization experienced the impact of the pandemic and how they built up their services and programs with ARPA funding to support Pittsfield residents in a variety of ways. It is important for the community to know that these funded projects are working to help build resiliency and address the needs we often talk about such as childcare, mental health, job training, etc.," said Gina Armstrong, ARPA Special Projects Co-Manager.

 

New profiles will be shared at least bi-monthly on the city's website: ARPA Community Partner Profiles.