Bishop West Real Estate Welcomes Three New Agents

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Bishop West Real Estate welcomed three agents: Pam Tworig, Kolleen Schmitt, and Shannon Davis.
 
Tworig, formerly with Moresi Real Estate Partners, has called the Berkshires and Southern Vermont home for over 40 years. With deep-rooted relationships among local business owners, contractors, and residents, she brings invaluable connections and insight to the market. Prior to real estate, she spent more than three decades managing properties and designing commercial and residential landscapes. Licensed in both Massachusetts and Vermont, Tworig will play a key role in expanding Bishop West's presence in Southern Vermont. "I'm thrilled to join a brokerage that prioritizes professionalism and education," said Tworig. "Helping clients find the perfect property—whether residential, commercial, or investment—is my passion, and I'm eager to contribute to Bishop West's growth in Vermont and beyond."
 
Kolleen Schmitt, a retired U.S. Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer, has been a licensed real estate professional in Massachusetts since 2009. Holding the Military Relocation Professional (MRP) certification, she specializes in assisting veterans in achieving their dream of homeownership. An avid skier and licensed horseback riding instructor, Kolleen brings the same discipline and commitment to real estate as she does to her outdoor passions. 
 
"Bishop West's dedication to its agents and clients is what drew me in," she said. "I'm excited to bring my experience to this dynamic team."
 
Shannon Davis, a longtime resident of Central Berkshire County, has been a full-time real estate agent for over seven years. With 20 years of professional customer service experience, Davis excels in communication and staying ahead of technological advancements in the industry. "Helping people achieve their real estate goals is what drives me," Davis shared. 
 
"Bishop West provides the support and education that allows agents like me to thrive and, in turn, deliver the best service to our clients," she said.
 
Corey Bishop, co-owner of Bishop West Real Estate, expressed enthusiasm about the new additions.
 
"Pam, Kolleen, and Shannon are all dedicated professionals who embody the values we stand for—integrity, education, and exceptional client service," he said. "Their skills and passion make them outstanding additions to our team."
 
Co-owner Peter West added: "At Bishop West, we invest in our agents, knowing that well-supported professionals provide the best results for their clients. Pam, Kolleen, and Shannon's decision to join us speaks to the strength of our brokerage, and we are excited to watch them grow with us."
 
Founded in 2001, Bishop West Real Estate is licensed in Massachusetts, Vermont, New York, and Florida. 
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Pittsfield Housing Project Adds 37 Supportive Units and Collective Hope

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— A new chapter in local efforts to combat housing insecurity officially began as community leaders and residents gathered at The First on to celebrate a major expansion of supportive housing in the city.

The ribbon was cut on Thursday Dec. 19, on nearly 40 supportive permanent housing units; nine at The First, located within the Zion Lutheran Church, and 28 on West Housatonic Street.  The Housing Resource Center, funded by Pittsfield's American Rescue Plan Act dollars, hosted a celebration for a project that is named for its rarity: The First. 

"What got us here today is the power of community working in partnership and with a shared purpose," Hearthway CEO Eileen Peltier said. 

In addition to the 28 studio units at 111 West Housatonic Street and nine units in the rear of the church building, the Housing Resource Center will be open seven days a week with two lounges, a classroom, a laundry room, a bathroom, and lockers. 

Erin Forbush, ServiceNet's director of shelter and housing, challenged attendees to transform the space in the basement of Zion Lutheran Church into a community center.  It is planned to operate from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. year-round.

"I get calls from folks that want to help out, and our shelters just aren't the right spaces to be able to do that. The First will be that space that we can all come together and work for the betterment of our community," Forbush said. 

"…I am a true believer that things evolve, and things here will evolve with the people that are utilizing it." 

Earlier that day, Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus joined Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll and her team in Housatonic to announce $33.5 million in federal Community Development Block Grant funding, $5.45 million to Berkshire County. 

He said it was ambitious to take on these two projects at once, but it will move the needle.  The EOHLC contributed more than $7.8 million in subsidies and $3.4 million in low-income housing tax credit equity for the West Housatonic Street build, and $1.6 million in ARPA funds for the First Street apartments.

"We're trying to get people out of shelter and off the streets, but we know there are a lot of people who are couch surfing, who are living in their cars, who are one paycheck away from being homeless themselves," Augustus said. 

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