Berkshire South to Provide Weekly Free Community Suppers

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GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Berkshire South Regional Community Center is expanding the free Community Supper program, in time to support those losing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds in November. 
 
This increase is the result of over a year of dedicated planning and fundraising to strengthen food security efforts and to expand access to nutritious meals for all. Plans were accelerated when the news of the SNAP benefits being held for the upcoming month were announced.
 
"It's an important step forward in serving our neighbors and the fact that it comes during a time of increased food insecurity makes it all the more meaningful," said Executive Director Jenise Lucey.  
 
Free Community Suppers started on Monday and will continue every Monday. Some weeks, the meals will be in-person dining (no take-out) and some weeks will be take-out only. These efforts are made possible by the generosity of volunteers, donors, and partners who share Berkshire South's belief that no one in this community should go hungry.
 
"We encourage everyone who is able to support local organizations providing food assistance, whether by volunteering, donating, or spreading the word about available resources," said Lucey. "Together, we can ensure that every member of our community feels supported and seen during these challenging times."
 
Community Suppers are free every Monday from 5:00-6:00 pm at the community center located at 15 Crissey Road in Great Barrington. No reservations are needed, but meals are available on a first come, first served basis. The in-person vs. take-out only schedule will alter based on availability of chefs and volunteers. Checking the schedule in advance is strongly encouraged. Upcoming dates and schedules can be found at berkshiresouth.org or by calling Berkshire South at 413-528-2810. 
 
Funding for these meals is provided by Greylock Federal Credit Union, Fallon Health, the Jewish Women's Foundation of the Berkshires, and the Pepita Foundation.
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Prosperity Way Phase 1 Complete; Berkshire Gas Volunteer Day

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff

Some 55 Avangrid/Berkshire Gas employees spent the day sawing, hammering and painting at Prosperity Way.
GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — Prosperity Way was founded on the dream of creating an affordable neighborhood where local working families can own a home, build a future, and create lasting memories. Soon, that vision will become reality as homeowners begin moving in.
 
Nearly a year ago, Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity broke ground on its three-phase affordable housing project. Now, volunteers are putting the final touches on the six homes and have already begun phase two. 
 
"One of the homeowners is closing on her house tomorrow, so she's moving in this weekend, and then the other family is moving in next week," said Habitat CEO Carolyn Valli. 
 
During Phase 2, seven additional homes will be built, the first modular ranch for that phase has been set, and the stick-built ranch is currently in construction. There are two additional ranches on site, to be set once foundations are cured and two colonial homes are scheduled for delivery on Monday, she said. 
 
Phase 3 will have the construction of another seven homes. Central Berkshire Habitat hopes to finish the project before 2028, dependent on securing sufficient grant funding to bridge the gap between construction costs and affordable sale prices, Valli said. 
 
Energy ran high on Thursday, as more than than 50 employee volunteers from Berkshire Gas, a subsidiary of Avangrid Inc., spent the day helping move the project forward through painting, landscaping, and construction work.
 
"We are an energy company in all aspects. We generate wind energy, we have electric utilities and gas utilities, and this crew is demonstrating their energy for a good cause today to support home building for folks who might otherwise never be able to afford a home," said Chris Farrell, Berkshire Gas' communications and government relations manager. 
 
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