‘Power of community.’ 37 new supportive housing apartments open in Pittsfield

PITTSFIELD — After four years and $16 million in funding, Pittsfield unveiled 37 new permanent supportive apartments and a new housing resource center aimed at helping residents find stability and permanent housing.

The project includes The First — a housing resource center and daytime shelter with nine permanent supportive apartments in Zion Lutheran Church at 74 First St. — and 28 additional apartments in a newly constructed building at 111 W. Housatonic.

Started in 2021 under former Mayor Linda Tyer, the project was spurred by the increasing homeless population and was funded from the city’s share of the American Rescue Plan Act.

The apartments officially opened to the public Thursday, capping off one of the largest pushes to increase homeless resources in the city.

“It’s been a hard year, right?” Eileen Peltier, the CEO and president of Hearthway, which led the development of the project, asked the crowd of over 100 gathered to celebrate the opening at The First on Thursday evening. “Then I thought about cultures all around the world celebrating the return to light at this time of year. That’s what I feel like we are doing and celebrating today as a community: returning to light and to hope.”

Unlike traditional shelters, the housing resource center provides services without stipulations — no forms to fill out or demographic questions. And supportive housing is designed for chronically homeless people who need a stable, affordable place to live, along with ongoing support services.

The resource center is still a few weeks away from being finished, said Erin Forbush, the senior director of shelter and housing for ServiceNet, which will run The First upon opening.

On top of providing personal and professional support, the space will offer public bathrooms, showers, lockers and laundry machines.

The housing resource center was just one part of the multi-million dollar development aimed to help unhoused people.

“Two projects at the same time is really a lot to tackle,” said Ed Augustus, the secretary of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. “But it’s going to move the needle.”

Augustus’ office also gave funding to the project, specifically the nine vouchers for the permanent supportive units in The First. A majority of these units have already been filled.

The final piece of the project is the new development on West Housatonic Street, where an additional 28 permanent supportive units will be completed in January.

This development represents momentum in the housing space in Pittsfield, Mayor Peter Marchetti said, mentioning that additional housing opportunities are coming.

The waves of support were instrumental in completing this project, with Peltier recognizing more than 30 people who were integral to the project.

“What got us here today is the power of community, working in partnership and with a shared purpose,” Peltier said. “And what will continue to make these programs a success is community working in partnership and purpose.”

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