Pittsfield Earmarks $8.6 million in ARPA funds for Housing Initiatives | MA

Pittsfield Earmarks $8.6 million in ARPA funds for Housing Initiatives | MA

Pittsfield Invests $8.6M in Affordable and Supportive Housing to Combat Instability

PITTSFIELD, MA (AP) — In response to growing housing instability following the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Linda Tyer has committed $8.6 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to expand affordable and permanent supportive housing throughout Pittsfield.

“These investments reflect the voice of our community,” Tyer said during Monday’s press conference. “Housing was identified as a top priority through our community forums, surveys, and the guidance of our Homeless Advisory Committee and ARPA Advisory Council.”

Strategic Housing Initiatives

The funds will support the development of:

  • 8 new permanent supportive units at Zion Lutheran Church

  • 37 supportive units at 111 West Housatonic Street

  • 41 affordable apartments at the historic White Terrace site

  • Emergency shelter improvements at the Fenn Street Shelter

  • $500,000 each for the city’s new Affordable Housing Trust and At Home in Pittsfield exterior home repair program

The West Housatonic site will include single-occupancy units of about 350 square feet, complete with kitchens and bathrooms, plus common areas and onsite support offices. Zion Church’s basement will be restored into a 7,700-square-foot resource center, including a lounge, tech area, kitchen, commercial laundry, and consulting space.

White Terrace and Emergency Shelter

The fire-damaged White Terrace buildings will be restored into 41 affordable units by Regan Development Corp., which specializes in historic renovations. The $15.5 million project is pending state funding approval and could begin construction next spring.

Meanwhile, a new 45-bed emergency shelter will open at First United Methodist Church, replacing the current site at St. Joseph’s High School. Berkshire Housing Services CEO Eileen Peltier announced that permits are approved and construction could be completed within four months—“by the time the snow flies.”

Mayor Tyer’s Broader Strategy

The city has also launched:

  • A new Affordable Housing Trust to support rental and homebuyer assistance

  • An expanded At Home in Pittsfield program with $1 million for exterior renovations to stabilize homeownership

“I am deeply grateful to our partners,” Tyer said. “These historic investments wouldn’t be possible without your expertise and shared commitment to our community.”

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