GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — This Oct. 31, Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity (CBHFH) will join Habitat for Humanity International's first-ever Rural Rally, a nationwide initiative highlighting the urgent need for affordable housing in rural America.

 

The Rural Rally coincides with the 39th annual Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, honoring the enduring legacy of President and Mrs. Carter and their decades-long commitment to Habitat for Humanity's mission of building homes, communities, and hope.

 

CBHFH's participation centers on its effort to create a 20-home neighborhood off North Plain Road in Housatonic—one of the most significant affordable housing developments in Southern Berkshire County.

 

For years, the Town of Great Barrington has envisioned turning this 7.25-acre parcel into an inclusive neighborhood that supports the people who work in the community. The region's economy depends on arts, culture, entertainment, and tourism—yet the workers who sustain these industries, along with teachers, healthcare professionals, and essential service providers, are increasingly being priced out of the area, stated a press release.

 

Over the past decade, South County has seen a sharp rise in second-home ownership, a surge in short-term rentals, and increaseing housing costs. These pressures have displaced much of the local workforce, leaving small businesses and essential services struggling to retain employees. 

 

"The creation of this 20-home community in Housatonic is a landmark effort to address one of the most urgent challenges facing Southern Berkshire County—the lack of affordable housing for essential workers and families," said CBHFH CEO Carolyn Valli.

 

With land set aside by the Town of Great Barrington and the Great Barrington Affordable Housing Trust, these 20 single-family homes will offer stability and opportunity for working families who might otherwise be forced to leave the area. 

 

The state and town have already completed substantial infrastructure work, and the first of three construction phases is well underway.

 

On Oct. 31, two longtime Women Build volunteer teams—Greylock  Federal Credit Union's crew and Team Pretty Tough, which includes two CBHFH Board members—will join CBHFH's professional Construction Team, this year's AmeriCorps cohort, and experienced core volunteers for the Carter Build Day at Prosperity Way. Together, they will install siding and build porches on the first six homes.