MountainOne Distributes Donations, Sponsorships to Nonprofits

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NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — MountainOne announced that in the third and fourth quarters of 2025, it distributed $363,200  in donations and sponsorships to not-for-profit organizations across the Berkshires, Pioneer Valley, and the South Shore.
 
In Berkshire County:
 
The Berkshire Innovation Center – $10,000 to serve as the MountainOne Pavilion sponsor, supporting workforce development, innovation programming, and career pathways in advanced manufacturing and technology.
 
ServiceNet, Inc. – $10,000 to support the launch of The First, a collaborative daytime community resource center in downtown Pittsfield providing meals, hygiene services, and personalized resource navigation to help individuals experiencing housing instability move toward long-term stability and independence.
 
Williamstown Rural Lands – $5,000 as Lead Sponsor of the Fall Benefit and Auction, supporting the organization's 40th anniversary celebration and helping maximize funds raised for land conservation, stewardship, and community engagement in Williamstown.
 
1Berkshire – $5,000 to serve as Lead Sponsor of the annual Fall Foliage Parade in North Adams, fostering community connection, local pride, and vibrant downtown activity through a beloved seasonal event.
 
Elizabeth Freeman Center – $2,500 to sponsor the Rise Together Walk and fundraiser, supporting critical survivor services including the 24/7 hotline, emergency shelter, counseling, legal and housing advocacy, and economic empowerment programs serving Berkshire County.
 
North Adams Veterans Services. – $2,500 to cover the cost of engraving names of additional veterans to the Veterans' Memorial Park. The park stands as a place of reflection and gratitude, reminding us of the sacrifices of our veterans.
 
MountainOne also continued its support of cultural and educational institutions within the Berkshires, including commitments to MASS MoCA and the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. 
 
These contributions align with broader, multi-year capital campaign efforts and reflect MountainOne's long-term investment in regional vitality. 
 
"It is our privilege to support the work of organizations that uplift, empower, and enrich the communities we serve," said Brenda Petell, Vice President of Community Engagement. "These outstanding nonprofits represent just a portion of the many organizations we support throughout the year to help drive positive work in our communities."

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North Adams Housing Authority Director Steps Down

Staff Reports

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Jennifer Hohn, the longtime executive director of the North Adams Housing Authority (NAHA), has stepped down after 24 years with the agency.

The Berkshire Eagle reported that Hohn resigned from her position on Thursday. The NAHA Board of Commissioners is currently developing a transition plan.

Her resignation follows rising tension between Hohn and the tenants association. Residents—particularly at the Spring and Ashland Park apartments—have raised specific concerns regarding building security, drug activity, and trespassers.

This summer, Tenants Association President Corey Fortin posted a video on social media demonstrating that door alarms in some of the buildings were not functioning.

Shortly after the video was posted, the tenants association's office was locked. Members alleged Hohn locked the space in retaliation, while Hohn maintained it was a matter of tenant safety. Hohn also stated that NAHA does not officially recognize the association because it has yet to go through official channels for certification—a claim the tenants association disputes.

The dispute culminated in plans for a formal grievance hearing between Hohn and the association. Both sides agreed to hold a meeting on Oct. 3, but the hearing had not yet been scheduled at the time of her resignation.
During her tenure as director, Hohn oversaw significant changes at NAHA, including expansion and the dissolution of Housing Opportunities Incorporated, a program founded over 30 years ago to assist first-time homebuyers. Most recently, she led efforts to transition NAHA properties from traditional public housing models to the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program. She also directed the rebuilding of a Greylock Valley Apartments building after it was severely damaged by a fire.

The NAHA Board of Commissioners meets monthly, typically on Mondays.

 

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