Greylock Federal Offers Assistance To Homebuyers Through FHLBank Boston Programs

04:34PM / Wednesday, April 15, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Greylock Federal Credit Union has been approved to participate in Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston's homeownership assistance programs, Equity Builder Program, Housing Our Workforce and Lift Up Homeownership.

All three programs help income-eligible homebuyers who are purchasing one- to four-family homes that will serve as their primary residence.

Equity Builder Program (EBP) provides grants to financial institutions to help local first-time homebuyers with down payments and closing costs as well as homebuyer counseling and rehabilitation assistance. Borrowers earning up to 80 percent of the area median income are eligible to receive up to $32,099 in assistance on a first-come, first-served basis. Buyers must complete homebuyer education/counseling.

Housing Our Workforce (HOW) enables financial institutions to help local homebuyers earning more than 80 percent and up to 120 percent of the area median income with down payments and closing costs. Borrowers can receive up to $25,000 in assistance on a first-come, first-served basis. Buyers must complete homebuyer education/counseling if they are a first-time homebuyer.

Lift Up Homeownership provides grant funding to financial institutions to assist first-generation homebuyers with incomes up to 120 percent of the area median income who are purchasing homes in New England. Income-eligible homebuyers may receive up to $40,000 for down payments and closing costs.

"These grant programs are designed to ease challenges associated with a home purchase, particularly at a time when home prices are high and are beyond the reach of many individuals and families. We are pleased to participate to help borrowers become homebuyers, while also supporting the financial stability and vitality of our communities," said Tara McCluskey, Greylock's Vice President, Mortgage Originations Manager.

Greylock is eligible to reserve up to $320,000 through the EBP, up to $250,0000 through HOW, and up to $400,000 for Lift Up Homeownership depending on availability of funds in 2026.

To learn more about applying for assistance through these programs, please contact the Greylock mortgage department at 413-236-4125.

Learn more about Greylock at greylock.org.

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Second Streets Second Chances Awarded $85K for Workforce Re-Entry Program

By Brittany Polito03:00PM / Monday, September 28, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A local program for formerly incarcerated citizens seeking a technical career received $85,000 from the state.

On Thursday, the Healey-Driscoll administration announced $2.25 million in Re-entry Workforce Development Demonstration Program grants to 12 organizations that will provide job training, career support, and employment opportunities to 445 formerly incarcerated individuals returning to their communities.

Second Street Second Chances was allocated $84,712 to partner with the Berkshire County Sheriff's Office to offer a training program to 12 returning citizens with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry.

The funds will be used to put 12 returning citizens through a training program with a focus on the advanced manufacturing and engineering industry. Successful program graduates will be placed in manufacturing and welding roles at Onyx Specialty Papers and Hi-Tech Mold and Tool.

The program was one of 12 awardees, a majority on the eastern side of the state; Greenfield also saw funding.

"When people return to their communities, they should have a real opportunity to get a good job, support their families and build a stable future," said Gov. Maura Healey in a press release.

"These grants connect people with the training and experience they need to succeed and with employers that are ready to hire."

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said successful reentry means making sure people have the tools and opportunities to move forward, and these programs bring together community organizations, public safety partners, and employers to connect people directly with training and jobs.

Launched in 2022, Second Street Second Chances' mission is to provide a central point of access for medical and mental health, housing, job training, legal services, and more for a successful reentry into the community.

Early this year, the nonprofit saw an $89,000 grant from the program. Executive Director Lindsay Cornwell at the time said this funding allowed 2nd Street to expand its mission of supporting returning citizens in Berkshire County through meaningful workforce opportunities and a pathway toward sustainable employment.

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