BRPC Invites Applications for Home Modification Loan Program

10:27AM / Thursday, February 06, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass — The Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) is now accepting applications for the Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP).

This state-funded, no-interest loan program assists homeowners and landlords (with fewer than 10 units) in making necessary accessibility modifications to keep disabled or elderly family members in their homes.

Eligible modifications include bathroom and kitchen adjustments, ramps, stair lifts, platform lifts, sensory/therapy spaces, hard-wired alarm systems, fences, and accessory dwelling units. However, this program does not cover general home repairs such as roofing, window replacements, or heating system repairs. All work must be completed by licensed and insured contractors.

Property owners may qualify for 0 percent interest loans ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, with repayment required only when the property is sold or transferred. For owners of manufactured or mobile homes, loan amounts range from $1,000 to $30,000.

All applications are subject to HMLP eligibility requirements. For more information, visit www.cedac.org/hmlp or contact Brett Roberts at HMLP@berkshireplanning.org.

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ServiceNet Hopes to Open Pittsfield Warming Center in Nov.

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:48AM / Thursday, October 15, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— A warming center is again planned in the First United Methodist Church for the cold months.

During last week's Homelessness Advisory Committee meeting, Erin Forbush, director of shelter and housing at ServiceNet, reported that they hope to begin operating the nighttime center in mid-November.

It would operate from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. in the church, which abuts The Pearl shelter. Forbush said the warming center would be the same program as in the past.

"Again it's a warming center, so there's no cots or beds, but it is certainly a place to come in, and we'll have a hot coffee or cocoa ready for folks," she explained.

"It will be a place to be inside and warm."

This year, ServiceNet hopes to secure full funding from the state so the warming center can open on Sundays at 5 p.m. In years past, they found that Sunday is the most challenging day for unhoused individuals because many community spaces aren't open.

The First Housing Resource Center, managed by Hearthway, opened earlier this year as a low-barrier option for people to rest and access amenities. It is open seven days a week, and Forbush said if people could come to the warming center on Sundays at 5, there would be a fuller day of coverage.

"It does still leave a little gap for Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, as spaces like the library close at five, but we know that Sundays were something that people were looking for," she said.

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