Faith & Fellowship: North Adams Area Church News

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A roundup of worship services, community meetings, and special events hosted by local congregations in the North Adams area. 
 
Blackinton Union Church
1373 Massachusetts Ave. North Adams, 01247 1-413-664-9642
 
Blackinton Union Church is a welcoming, non-denominational, family-centered, church in North Adams where everyone is invited to belong. Whether you've been in church your whole life or are just starting to explore your faith, you'll find a place here. Join us Sundays at 10:00 AM for a meaningful, encouraging service focused on hope, love, and growing in your relationship with God. 
 
Join us this Sunday, April 12th, for food and fellowship after the service. All are invited. 
 
At Blackinton Union Church, church isn't just a place—it becomes family! 
 
First Congregational North Adams
134 Main Street, North Adams, MA 01247.  (413) 663-9940
 
We are an Open and Affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ. Worship services are held on Sundays at 10 am in person and live on Zoom. Communion is served on the first Sunday of each month. A children’s program is offered once a month.  Ongoing activities include a monthly book discussion group held after worship and our Threads of Connection knitting/fiber arts group that meets on Wednesdays from 1:30-3:30 pm. 
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.

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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