BRPC Home Modification Loans Available

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission closed a total of nine Home Modification Loan Program projects in Berkshire County throughout fiscal year 2025. 
 
These loans ranged in size from $4,555 all the way to the program limit of $50,000. The project components included items such as stair lifts, bathroom modifications, driveway improvements, fencing, ramps, and one accessory dwelling unit. 
 
All these projects were completed to allow aging individuals and individuals living with disabilities to remain in their home and communities of choice.
 
BRPC will continue to accept applications to the loan program in FY26 beginning July 1. 
 
HMLP is a state-funded no-interest loan program to provide modifications to those in need of accessibility improvements to their homes. Eligible applicants include homeowners and landlords (with fewer than 10 units) with necessary changes needed to their homes to keep disabled or elderly family members in their own homes.
 
Possible modifications include bathroom and kitchen modifications, ramps, stair lifts, platform lifts, sensory/therapy spaces, hard-wired alarm systems, fences, accessory dwelling units, and more. 
 
This is not a home repair program; repairs to roofs, windows, and heating are not eligible. All work must be completed by licensed and insured contractors.
 
For property owners, zero-interest loans range between $1,000 and $50,000. For manufactured or mobile home owners, zero-interest loans range from $1,000 to $30,000. No monthly payments are required but repayment is required when the property is sold or transferred. 
 
All applications are subject to HMLP eligibility requirements. The program income guidelines are based on household size and are generous. For example, a household of two can make up to $264,800 per year.
 
For more information or eligibility questions, visit www.cedac.org/hmlp or contact Brett Roberts at HMLP@berkshireplanning.org.

Tags: accessibility,   BRPC,   loan progams,   

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Pittsfield's Christian Center Seeks Community Input on Services, Name

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

Worker Dionisio Kelly, left, board member Kenny Warren, Executive Director Jessica Jones, and Food and Services Director Karen Ryan.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — It's a new year, and The Christian Center is looking at how it can serve the area in 2026 and beyond. 

This includes a possible new name fueled by community forums in late January and early February. 

"We're hoping people will come in and talk about the name, talk about what programs, what services they would like to see from us. What would be most meaningful," Executive Director Jessica Jones said. 

"Because the population in this area has changed quite a bit, and we no longer serve just the West Side. We serve people from other parts of Berkshire County. So the hope is just to make it more inclusive." 

The Christian Center was a stop on Berkshire Community College and NAACP Berkshires' Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service.

The nonprofit will hold three input sessions at 193 Robbins Ave. to inform future programs and branding, and ensure that West Side voices are heard. 

The sessions will be held on: 

  • Saturday, Jan. 31, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. 
  • Thursday, Feb. 5, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. 
  • Tuesday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. 

The center dates back to the early 1890s, when it was the Epworth Mission started by the Methodist Church to serve newly arrived immigrants and help them assimilate. The Christian Center was incorporated in 1974. 

Over the decades, it has drifted away from a faith-based organization to a space for anyone who needs a meal, a warm jacket, a place to bring their child, or a meeting place. A space for everyone. 

This is what center officials wanted reflected in the name. 

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