Northern Berkshire United Way Awards Community Needs and Special Grants to Five Local Organizations

07:34AM / Tuesday, May 19, 2026Print Story | Email Story

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Northern Berkshire United Way (NBUW) announced the recipients of its annual Community Needs and Special Grants (CNSG), awarding funding to five local organizations for projects that address pressing community needs across Northern Berkshire.

Community Needs and Special Grants are designed to support one-time, short-term initiatives that respond to emerging or unmet needs in the region. Each year, applications are evaluated with careful consideration, with priority given to projects that serve low- to moderate-income populations and promote inclusivity.

This year's grant recipients include:

Berkshire Food Project, to support the purchase and installation of a much-needed three-bay sink, enhancing food safety and operational efficiency.
BArT Charter Public School, to fund a more accessible conference room table, improving inclusivity and accessibility for students, staff, and community members.
Youth Center Inc., to provide outdoor play equipment for its infant and toddler program, supporting early childhood development.
Berkshire Nursing Families, to expand access to its Bringing Home Baby Guide through translation services and printing, ensuring more families can benefit from critical early parenting resources.
Hoosac Valley Regional School District, to help fund a pilot Environmental Summer Enrichment Camp at the Greylock Glen, connecting students with outdoor learning opportunities.

"We are proud to support these projects," said Leah Thompson, VP of Community Needs and Special Grants of NBUW. "These initiatives reflect the strength and commitment of our local organizations to meet emerging needs and expand opportunities for all."

Organizations awarded CNSG funding may request up to $1,500 and are not required to be member agencies of Northern Berkshire United Way.

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North Adams Housing Authority Director Steps Down

Staff Reports09:16AM / Friday, October 09, 2026

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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