Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity offers Free Tax Assistance

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — For more than a dozen years, Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity (CBHFH) has provided free income tax preparation to qualifying households through the IRS-supported Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
 
Services are available to households earning $69,000 or less, as well as individuals with disabilities and older adults.
 
All VITA volunteers complete extensive training and are IRS-certified. According to CBHFH CEO Carolyn Valli, the program's success is rooted in both volunteer commitment and community trust.
 
"Most of our volunteers return year after year to support this essential service for underserved residents of Berkshire County," said Valli. "More than 85 percent of our clients are returning clients, and much of the remaining 15 percent are new clients from South County whom we've recently been able to reach."
 
VITA services will begin Monday, January 26, with both drop-off options and scheduled appointments available to assist residents with their tax paperwork.
 
"Thanks to our dedicated volunteers, we're fully prepared to support our clients throughout tax season," said Lynne Newton, CBHFH Community Navigator and VITA Program Coordinator. "We're here to help in whatever way best meets their needs."
 
CBHFH also offers language support, including Spanish interpretation by appointment, to ensure residents feel comfortable navigating IRS requirements.
 
"Tax time can be stressful," Newton added. "Having documents explained in your native language can make a meaningful difference and help ease anxiety."
 
Service Locations & Hours
 
Pittsfield –Appointments available at 314 Columbus Avenue and Federal Credit Union Community Space, 75
Kellogg St.
  • Mondays through Wednesdays: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
  • Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
South County – Mason Library 231 Main Street, Great Barrington
  • Tuesdays & Thursdays: 2:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
  • Wednesdays: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
MCLA - VITA tax preparation is also available by appointment only.
 
To schedule an appointment, call 413.442.3184.
 
For more information or to make an appointment at any location, residents can call 413.442.3184 or visit www.berkshirehabitat.org/VITA.
 
 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

Peace Officer Standards Commission Strips Former Pittsfield Cop of Certification

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— A former Pittsfield Police officer was one of five statewide who recently had their licenses revoked by the  POST Commission. 

Last week, the Massachusetts Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission voted to strip five former officers of their licenses to work in law enforcement, including former PPD officer William Straub

The commission had determined that these workers were unfit to carry a badge and gun in Massachusetts; so far, 92 state police officers have been decertified by the commission. 

Records indicate that Straub faced charges tied to a 2024 incident, but details are redacted.  On Oct. 31, 2024, the POST Commission suspended Straub's law enforcement certification, and he resigned from PPD in April. 

"According to Pittsfield District Court records, Straub pleaded guilty in April to two counts of misdemeanor assault and battery tied to a 2024 incident," MassLive wrote on Monday. 

"Three other charges, including drunk driving and carrying a firearm while intoxicated, were continued without a finding. While that resolution allows the charges to be dismissed after a period of time if Straub abides by certain conditions, the commission treats them as a criminal conviction."

According to records, he was certified as a police officer in July of 2021, and recertified in July 2024.  

"The Respondent's appointing agency, the Pittsfield Police Department ("PPD"), submitted a final report to the Commission finding that the Respondent had engaged in criminal conduct and conduct unbecoming [of] an officer," the Aug. 20 final decision to decertify reads. 

"The Respondent resigned from PPD on April 9, 2026, prior to the imposition of any discipline." 

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