PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. (DPI), in partnership with ServiceNet, and with support from MassDevelopment's TDI Local Grant, has launched the Pearl Ambassador Program - a community volunteer initiative that improves the downtown environment with strategic connections and beautification efforts.

 

Through this program, residents of The Pearl, ServiceNet's shelter located at 21 Pearl Street, volunteer to clean and care for downtown Pittsfield. Participants - known as Pearl Ambassadors -remove litter, clean benches and parking meters, and help maintain the appearance of sidewalks and public areas. In exchange for their contribution, ambassadors receive a $40 gift card for 2 hours of volunteer work along with a weekly group lunch in the downtown.

 

Residents of The Pearl have been instrumental in the development and leadership of the Ambassador program by identifying downtown areas that need improvement, participating in program creation and direction, and taking action to make North Street a more vibrant and welcoming place for all residents and visitors.

 

Now in its eighth week, the Pearl Ambassador Program is already making a visible impact. The program has funding to continue through October.

 

Downtown visitors and residents can recognize the Pearl Ambassadors by their bright yellow vests, which signal their active role in keeping the district clean and welcoming.

 

Pearl Ambassadors responsibilities include the management of cigarette receptacles along North Street between Union and Maplewood Avenues. At Ambassador recommendation, six additional units have been ordered and will be installed in high-use public areas including Persip Park, Sotille Park, and Dunham Mall.

 

"Our members identified cleanliness as a key concern, and we are lucky to be working with the team from The Pearl on this much-needed project," said Rebecca Brien, Managing Director of Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. "Their commitment and ongoing efforts have made a noticeable difference in the downtown."