The First's Housing Resource Center Opens in Pittsfield
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The First's housing resource center opened its doors on Tuesday, drawing about a dozen people.
"I was hoping to do a soft open yesterday at The First. It became a little louder, which is fine," ServiceNet's Director of Shelter and Housing Erin Forbush told the Homelessness Advisory Committee on Wednesday.
"But we are open Tuesday through Saturday for the next few weeks, and that is really due to just onboarding staff and training."
The housing resource center is funded by Pittsfield's American Rescue Plan Act dollars in the basement of the Zion Lutheran Church, and there are nine permanent supportive studios at the rear of the building. On its opening day on Tuesday, Forbush estimated between 10 and 12 people utilized the resource center. There were about 15 people waiting to come in on Wednesday morning.
A ribbon was cut on the facility on Dec. 18. The other component of the project is 28 units on West Housatonic Street, which are scheduled to be completed this month.
The First's opening was announced on Facebook by Mayor Peter Marchetti, writing that it wouldn't have been possible without the city's ARPA funds, committed in 2022, and all of the partners who stepped up.
"It is my hope that this is a model that we can successfully replicate to provide more support for individuals and families in need," he wrote.
Located at 74 First St., the resource center will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Available to community members are public restrooms and showers, a quiet room, warmth, and staff to connect them with resources. Laundry machines and lockers are upcoming.
"We'd love to have you stop in," Forbush told the committee.
"And as time goes on, we will be developing a volunteer network as well to work and to be there as well as a community."
ServiceNet also operates the 40-bed shelter on Pearl Street.
Hearthway is handling the leasing for the nine studio units that were constructed within the church building. President and CEO Eileen Peltier said tenants are moving in over the next couple of days. The units at 111 West Housatonic St. are on schedule and budget for opening mid-February, she reported.
Pittsfield's Director of Community Development Justine Dodds asked that people be patient as they figure out the best hours for the resource center and for it to have a full staff.
"This is a brand-new, really exciting project. It's new for Pittsfield. It's new for this whole partnership, and we think we have it worked out, but we are — I know you are always willing to be flexible," she said to Forbush, adding that this is an organic process.
The goal is to be open seven days a week, eight hours per day, in the next couple of weeks.
Forbush thanked the people who are utilizing these spaces and contributing to the center's success. After Berkshire County saw more than a foot of snow in January, guests widened the shoveled sidewalk on First Street so that other community members could access The First.
"That's where community comes from, and that's when we do our work well," she said. "It makes it that much easier when you're in it together."
Tags: homeless, housing,
