Pet Food Pantry Available to Help During Trying Times

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Humane Society has a Pet Food Bank available to cat and dog owners in Berkshire County who are struggling financially.
 
Pet food is available at the Dr. John Reynolds Adoption and Education Center at 214 Barker Road in Pittsfield, Purradise Feline Adoption and Boarding facility at 301 Stockbridge Road or through the Meals on Wheels program run by Elder Services of Berkshire County. 
 
Call Berkshire Humane Society's Pet Food Bank Coordinator Jessica Cunningham, 413- 447-7878 extension 127 to sign up.
 
"With SNAP benefits threatened, more people out of work, and winter coming, we remind pet lovers in Berkshire County that we're here to help," said Cunningham. "No one should have to choose between taking care of themselves and taking care of their pet."
 
At least two weeks of dry pet food per month is available per pet for people who sign up for the program and more assistance is available for those on public assistance. Canned food, treats and cat litter may also be available, depending on supplies. Pet Food Bank recipients also have access to low-cost spay and neuter surgeries through Berkshire Humane Society's Wellness Clinic on Dalton Avenue. When receiving pet food assistance, participants in the program agree not to add any new pets to their family.
 
Each person signing up for the Pet Food Bank receives assistance for six months and can reapply after that if they still need help.
 
"The need is only increasing," said Cunningham. In fiscal year 2025 we saw a dramatic 180 percent increase in Pet Food Bank requests, to about 6,500!  Last week the pantry disbursed more than 1,000 pounds of pet food and since July 1st, more than 10,000 pounds."
 
A private foundation and Pittsfield Cooperative Bank are generous sponsors of Berkshire Humane Society's Pet Food Bank, which is also supported by individual donations. "We always accept donations of unexpired food," said Cunningham. "Right now, we really need donations of canned dog food." Donated food goes to the Pet Food Bank; shelter pets are not in need as Berkshire Humane Society has an agreement with Hill's Science Diet to feed shelter animals.
 
Berkshire Humane Society's Pet Food Bank is one of many programs the nonprofit animal welfare organization has to keep animals in homes and out of the shelter. People receiving help from the Pet Food Bank greatly appreciate the help. For example, Erin from Pittsfield wrote to Berkshire Humane Society about the help she and her boyfriend received to feed their two dogs after she lost a good job during the pandemic, "My pups come first, so we went without until we heard through a friend about [Berkshire Humane Society]. They help with hard and soft food, treats on occasion and sometimes they have people that donate toys. Without all these donations, my family would be struggling more than we are. When I get reestablished, I intend on giving back, too. It's amazing how far one donation can go. So, if you have it in your heart, please give back, but only if you can. So much love for all the donations and for the local [Berkshire Humane Society]!"

Tags: Berkshire Humane Society,   

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Friday Front Porch Feature: Allendale Pines North

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Are you looking for an inexpensive home to raise your family in? Then this might be the home for you. And if not, there's a couple other options.

Our Friday Front Porch is a weekly feature spotlighting attractive homes for sale in Berkshire County. This week we are showcasing model homes at Allendale Pines North.

Teton Management is opening its new manufactured housing development next Allendale Pines at 395 Cheshire Road, and has three different model homes to choose from.

The Monroe with a full porch and with a half-porch, and The Aspire are available to move into in March. 

All the models have three bedrooms and two baths in 1,280 square feet, and include two parking spaces. The Monroe full-porch is on the market for $194,900, Monroe half-porch $189,900, and The Aspire for $204,900. View a video tour here.

The lot rent is $550 a month and it includes trash removal and recycling, as well as water and sewer. Tenants are responsible for their own utilities and lawn care/snow removal. Dogs and cats are allowed, for up to two pets.

We spoke with Val Whaling from Teton Management about the new homes.

What do you think makes this property stand out in the current market? 

The three models — Monroe Full- Porch, Monroe Half -Porch, and The Aspire — are Titan Home products manufactured by Champion Homes and stand out in the current market because:

  • The purchase price of these homes is well below current market rate single-family homes in Berkshire County.

  • The 5 Star Energy-Efficient rating (featuring energy-efficient windows and high- performance insulation) and one-year warranty on the home, sets these homes apart from older, stick-built homes.

  • These homes are built to strict HUD standards and include structural integrity in order to meet federal standards for durability, safety and wind resistance.

Are there any stand-out design features? 

Stand out features include: open concept floorplan, covered porches, stainless steel appliances, large laundry room /mudrooms, and large glass walk-in showers.

What kind of buyer do you see this home being perfect for? 

First time homebuyers/ professionals preferring home ownership vs. renting, empty nesters wanting to downsize, and cost-conscious individuals preferring the affordability of these homes.

What's the neighborhood like? 

Allendale Pines North will be comprised of 22 brand-new homes, on individual lots, set on beautiful property, neighboring the Ashuwillticook Rail Trail. The property is located at 395 Cheshire Road, Pittsfield, offering proximity to retail shopping and dining. Additionally, Allendale Pines North property is well managed by a reputable owner/operator. (All adult community residents are approved via community application approval process.).

What would you say to a buyer trying to imagine their life in this space? 

"Imagine the cost savings of owning a brand-new, energy-efficient home, easy to maintain and allowing the convenience of modern day and easy living, in a quiet, well-managed community."

What does the home come with? 

Included are: Stainless steel Whirlpool appliances (refrigerator with icemaker, dishwasher, and gas stove/oven), and closets equipped with shelf/hanging rod. Plus an 8-by-10-foot Amish built shed, two wooden entrance stairs with wooden handrails and black wrought iron spindles, two-car driveway, sidewalks and brand-new water/sewer infrastructure.

You can find out more about these homes on its listing here.

*Front Porch Feature brings you an exclusive to some of the houses listed on our real estate page every week. Here we take a bit of a deeper dive into a certain house for sale and ask questions so you don't have to.

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