Pittsfield's Homeless Advisory Committee Housing Resource Fair

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The City of Pittsfield's Homeless Advisory Committee is sponsoring their third Housing Resource Fair. 
 
The fair will be at Persip Park on North Street on Thursday, Sept. 19 between 10:00 a.m. to Noon. If the weather doesn't
cooperate, the fair will be moved inside to the Berkshire Athenaeum, Main Room, during the same timeframe. 
 
The fair will offer a variety of resources and assistance to those in the community who are seeking help with accessing stable and secure housing.
 
The event is free and open to the public. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from local housing organizations and agencies, learn about affordable housing options, and receive information on resources for rental assistance. Participating agencies include ServiceNet, Upside 413 (formerly Berkshire County Regional Housing), Second Street Second Chances, Elder Services, The Christian Center, Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity, ADLIB, Hearthway (formerly Berkshire Housing) and the Pittsfield Housing Authority.
 
Kim Borden, Chairperson of the City's Homeless Advisory Committee, said that the Committee is building on the success of previous Housing Resource Fairs held last year. 
 
"The purpose of the fair is to bring together community organizations and the residents they serve to create meaningful
community connections and provide support for those in need."
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Pittsfield Council Preview: Councilor Privacy & Halting Berkshire Gas Work Permits

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — On Tuesday, the City Council will see requests to protect their own safety when it comes to sensitive information, and to deny work permits from Berkshire Gas due to "substandard" conditions. 

A request to remove councilors' addresses from city documents and websites and replace them with "70 Allen Street" to improve safety will be referred to the Ordinances and Rules subcommittee. Councilors' addresses, city email, and phone numbers are currently available on Pittsfield's staff directory page. 

The petition was submitted by Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren, Ward 2 Councilor Cameron Cunningham, Ward 4 Councilor James Conant, and Ward 7 Councilor Katherine Moody. 

The councilors explain in the meeting packet that they want elected officials to have the option to replace their home addresses on all city documents and websites, including Pittsfield Community Television, with the City Hall address. 

Recently, the City Council approved Ward 6 Councilor Dina Lampiasi's request to amend City Council Rule 1C. Rule 1C requires individuals to disclose their name, address, and the subject they wish to address the council about on a sheet before the open microphone portion of meetings.

Lampiasi asked to only require a person's name and municipality. 

"I don't think that submitting a street address is really appropriate," she explained to the O&R subcommittee earlier this month. 

"It feels invasive, and there are some safety concerns for folks." 

President Earl Persip III wants Berkshire Gas to correct safety and access issues before Pittsfield allows them to do additional work on city property. 

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