BRPC Invites Applications for Home Modification Loan Program

10:27AM / Thursday, February 06, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass — The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) is now accepting applications for the Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP).

This state-funded, no-interest loan program assists homeowners and landlords (with fewer than 10 units) in making necessary accessibility modifications to keep disabled or elderly family members in their homes.

Eligible modifications include bathroom and kitchen adjustments, ramps, stair lifts, platform lifts, sensory/therapy spaces, hard-wired alarm systems, fences, and accessory dwelling units. However, this program does not cover general home repairs such as roofing, window replacements, or heating system repairs. All work must be completed by licensed and insured contractors.

Property owners may qualify for 0 percent interest loans ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, with repayment required only when the property is sold or transferred. For owners of manufactured or mobile homes, loan amounts range from $1,000 to $30,000.

All applications are subject to HMLP eligibility requirements. For more information, visit www.cedac.org/hmlp or contact Brett Roberts at HMLP@berkshireplanning.org.

Tags: BRPC,

iBerkshires.com Text Ads

RIBCO Supply

Check out our great lineup of Boss Plows, and spreaders. 2 Locations Clarksburg & Pittsfield!

ribcosupply.com

rk MILES Blding Materials

Are You Ready to Update Your Home? Start With rk MILES. 4 Locations (800)670-7433

www.rkmiles.com

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

The First's Housing Resource Center Opens in Pittsfield

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:17AM / Thursday, February 05, 2026

Tenants for the nine studio apartments will be moving in over the next few days.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The First's housing resource center opened its doors on Tuesday, drawing about a dozen people.

"I was hoping to do a soft open yesterday at The First. It became a little louder, which is fine," ServiceNet's Director of Shelter and Housing Erin Forbush told the Homelessness Advisory Committee on Wednesday.

"But we are open Tuesday through Saturday for the next few weeks, and that is really due to just onboarding staff and training."

The housing resource center is funded by Pittsfield's American Rescue Plan Act dollars in the basement of the Zion Lutheran Church, and there are nine permanent supportive studios at the rear of the building. On its opening day on Tuesday, Forbush estimated between 10 and 12 people utilized the resource center. There were about 15 people waiting to come in on Wednesday morning.

A ribbon was cut on the facility on Dec. 18. The other component of the project is 28 units on West Housatonic Street, which are scheduled to be completed this month.

The 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.

"It is my hope that this is a model that we can successfully replicate to provide more support for individuals and families in need," he wrote.

Located at 74 First St., the resource center will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Available to community members are public restrooms and showers, a quiet room, warmth, and staff to connect them with resources. Laundry machines and lockers are upcoming.