MCLA, Habitat for Humanity Partner for Sixth Year of Free Tax Assistance

11:27AM / Friday, February 07, 2025Print Story | Email Story

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) and its Department of Business Administration will once again partner with Habitat for Humanity to offer free tax preparation services to qualified residents through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program starting February 10.

Through the IRS's VITA program, MCLA students assist taxpayers by providing free tax preparation services. To qualify, most individuals and families must earn $67,000 or less, however, there is no income limit for those with disabilities, limited English-speaking skills, and individuals over the age of 60 with retirement or pension income.

Students work under the supervision of MCLA Accounting Professor Tara Barboza, an enrolled agent with the United States Department of the Treasury and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). According to Barboza, the students participating in this program undergo rigorous IRS training to become IRS certified over their winter break and then participate in in-person training throughout January and the first week of February.

"Participating in the VITA program is a unique opportunity that will provide students with valuable, hands-on preparation experience. They earn college credit, and accounting students can use this credit toward the requirements for the CPA exam all while volunteering in our community. In addition, students build a sense of belonging, confidence, and soft skills that will serve them throughout their college and professional careers," Barboza said.

Interested individuals should call Habitat for Humanity offices at (413) 442-3181 to find out if they qualify, and to schedule an appointment. MCLA students will begin to see clients on Monday, Feb. 10, 2024. Hours will be Mondays and Wednesdays from 4-8 p.m., in MCLA's Murdock Hall Business Suite RM 102, located at 375 Church St. in North Adams. The program will continue through April 14, 2025.

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NAHA Board Accepts Director's Resignation, Unlocks Tenants Association Office

By Jack GuerinoiBerkshires Staff
03:33PM / Friday, October 16, 2026

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The North Adams Housing Authority Board of Commissioners officially accepted the resignation of Executive Director Jennifer Hohn and restored access to the Tenants Association office.

The board held a special meeting Thursday to vote to accept Hohn's resignation and determined that there are currently no plans to replace her.

"We didn't make any final determinations in terms of the executive session so we will schedule another meeting at another time," Chairwoman Leigh Uqdah said after returning from more than an hour session. "Day-to-day operations will continue to be managed as normal by staff."

Per their bylaws, board member Marie Harpin will continue to handle finances, and Uqdah will manage contracts.

Hohn stepped down on Oct. 8 after 24 years leading the agency. Her resignation followed rising tension between her and the NAHA Tenants Association, culminating in the scheduling of a formal grievance hearing between both parties.

The boiling point was the locking of the association's office this summer. Tenants alleged the lockout was retaliation for posting a video on social media depicting improperly functioning door alarms. Hohn claimed the office was locked for tenant safety and to stop the spread of misinformation.

Tenants Association President Corey Fortin asked if Hohn's security access had been removed. Uqdah confirmed her credentials were revoked the day she resigned, meaning she can no longer monitor security cameras remotely.

Jennifer Barbeau, a former city councilor who was liaison to the Housing Authority, asked when the board met to discuss Hohn's severance package. Uqdah stated that Hohn did not have one.

The board also accepted the resignation of Commissioner Richard Lavigne, though they will vote officially on the matter at their next meeting.

The open portion of the meeting was brief, with nearly an hour and a half spent in executive session. Before entering executive session, the board opened the floor to tenants.

"The tenants requested an opportunity to talk to the board," said Uqdah. "It has been quite a while, but we have decided to honor that."

Fortin, who posted the original video to social media, was the first to speak. He was clear in his request: unlock the office door.

"Let's cut straight to the chase tonight. The former resigned Director Jennifer Hohn ordered the office locked," he alleged. "She is gone. The lockout is a direct violation, and the board has a duty to end that tonight."

He cited federal and state laws that mandate the tenants association be provided with office space, including computer and network access.

"We are here with a direct administrative demand. We demand that the board vote tonight to unlock the doors," he said. "Do not let a resigned director's illegal action remain the board's ongoing liability. Open our door tonight, and let us get back to work."

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