Pittsfield Announces Request for Proposals from Non-Profit Housing Developers

Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield's Department of Community Development today announced the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP) seeking qualified non-profit housing developers to participate in the City's Non-Profit Housing Acquisition & Rehabilitation Program.

This initiative aims to transform vacant one- and two-family homes into high-quality, affordable homeownership opportunities for income-eligible first-time homebuyers.

Through this RFP process, the city will select several organizations to serve as Qualified Developers for Fiscal Year 2027. Once selected, these developers will be eligible to compete for project-specific funding to acquire and rehabilitate vacant residential properties across Pittsfield, many of which are identified in partnership with the Massachusetts Attorney General's Housing Receivership Program.

The city has assembled an estimated $250,000 in funding for FY27 from both federal and local sources, including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and the city's Receivership Revolving Loan Fund (RRLF). The program pairs grants, zero interest loans, and forgivable loan components with long-term affordability restrictions to ensure that rehabilitated homes remain accessible to households earning between 80 percent and 120 percent of Area Median Income (AMI).

All proposals are required to be submitted by 4:00 PM on July 17, 2026. Submissions must be delivered to the City of Pittsfield – Department of Community Development or emailed to njoyner@pittsfieldma.gov. Late submissions will not be accepted. The City will review all complete submissions based on eligibility, capacity, and consistency with program goals. The city may request clarification during review. Selected organizations will receive written notification of Qualified Developer status for FY27.

Selected nonprofit developers will be invited to submit property-specific proposals whenever eligible homes become available. Funding awards will be made through a competitive process based on the lowest funding request, feasibility of rehabilitation plans, and realistic project timelines.

Nonprofit organizations, Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs), and Community-Based Development Organizations (CBDOs) are encouraged to apply. The RFP, application materials, and additional details are available through the Department of Community Development.

For more information, visit the Non-Profit Housing Rehab page on the city's website or contact the city's Housing Program Manager, Nate Joyner, Department of Community Development at (413) 499-9358 or via email njoyner@pittsfieldma.gov.

If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

18 Degrees Event Celebrates Reunified Families

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — For many families involved with the Department of Children and Families, the first feeling is often fear of their child being removed from the home.
 
In reality, its goal is the opposite.
 
Last week, families, attorneys, social workers, and agency staff gathered at the 18 Degrees Family Resource Center to honor four families who overcame obstacles, such as addiction, successfully navigated the system, and were ultimately reunited with their children.
 
According to the event flyer, since 2010, the child welfare community has recognized June as Family Unification Month, formerly Family Reunification Month, to honor families working to strengthen and reunify their families, as well as the advocates who support them and help prevent family separation.
 
Speaking at the podium, some parents reflected on the negative perceptions they once had of DCF – views that changed as they confronted their struggles, persevered, and worked with the agency to access support and become better parents.
 
The setting of the celebration reflected the theme of new beginnings, as the name 18 Degrees symbolizes the height of the sun on a new day, which is filled with new opportunities and possibilities, said Stephanie Steed, 18 Degrees president and CEO. 
 
"It is where the change from darkness to light happens, and all those things are just really symbolic and really a part of everyone's process," she said. 
 
View Full Story

More Pittsfield Stories