“It was the coldest weekend of the year. I woke up freezing in the early hours of Saturday morning. I touched the heater in our bedroom. The metal was cold. I checked the thermostat, and the temperature read 39 degrees. I turned the heat switch on and off, and I heard the furnace engage, but […]
The Berkshire Edge / Shaw Israel Izikson “For 19 years, Construct Inc. has held its Warm Up the Winter campaign to raise funds for the local nonprofit’s programs. This year, the need is greater than ever, according to Executive Director Joey Lindstrom, as more residents struggle to pay for heat and utilities. “When it comes […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJanuary 6, 2025 Great Barrington, MA —Construct, South Berkshire County’s nonprofit leader in affordable housing, has named Joey Lindstrom as its new Executive Director after a national search. “I’m excited to join the team at Construct,” said Lindstrom. “The staff and board have a strong track record of providing housing solutions for vulnerable […]
Great Barrington, Massachusetts – November 7th, 2025. Construct, a South Berkshire County nonprofit providing affordable housing and support services, has been awarded $750,000 through the Underutilized Properties Program (UPP), part of the Commonwealth’s Community One Stop for Growth initiative. The funds will support Cassilis Farm, Construct’s planned development in New Marlborough that will transform a […]
— The Berkshire Edge / Shaw Israel Izikson, October 24, 2025 Both the president and vice president of Construct’s Board of Directors said the organization is looking to see its current housing projects through rather than take on new ones until it finds a new executive director to take the helm. Former Construct Inc. Executive […]
October 9, 2025For immediate release For more information:Betty Farbman, President, Board of Directorsbettyaf1979@gmail.com Great Barrington, MA — The Board of Directors of Construct, the leading nonprofit housing organization in the South Berkshires, has announced a national search for the organization’s next Executive Director. After the recent announcement of Jane Ralph’s decision to step down as […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEJuly 31, 2025 After nearly a decade of leadership, Jane Ralph will step down as Executive Director of Construct effective August 29, 2025. “This was not an easy decision,” said Ralph. “My partner and I have called Berkshire County home for years now, and I am so proud of our work at Construct. […]
PRESS RELEASEJuly 21, 2025 Becket, MA — On Wednesday, July 16, Construct welcomed Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell to its recently renovated property in Becket to highlight the promise and potential of affordable homeownership in the Berkshires. The visit presented the opportunity to explore how innovative programs, such as the state’s receivership initiative, can help […]
Construct’s Annual Meeting will take place Tuesday, July 15th, 2025, at The Guthrie Center in Great Barrington. Doors will open at 8:30 am for light food and refreshments, and the meeting program will run from 9:00 to 10:00 am. This annual gathering is our one public meeting of the year—a unique opportunity for our entire […]
The Construct community mourns the loss of our long-time president, Elizabeth Rosenberg who passed away on June 1, 2025. Wife of Eugene Rosenberg. Mother of Adam (Alexandra), Paige (Scott), and Michael (Maggie). Grandmother of Ollie, Nate, Elinor, Matty and James. Read the full obituary here. Memorial Service June 4th at 1pm: Hevreh of Southern Berkshire […]
Claire O’Callahan — The Berkshire Eagle / April 4, 2025 “With the end of the heating season just weeks away, states have already received about 90 percent of the money allocated by Congress for the Low Income Home Energy Program. But when that last 10 percent will arrive is anybody’s guess. That’s because the Trump […]
Fair Housing Month Begins Amid National Assault on Fair Housing Press Release — National Fair Housing.org Washington, D.C. – “Today, the National Fair Housing Alliance® (NFHA™) released the following statement from Lisa Rice, President & CEO, to mark April as National Fair Housing Month, coinciding with the anniversary of the signing of the Fair Housing […]
We at The Edge are thrilled with the quality of the discussion during the recent Berkshire Edge Business Webinar. We had 120 people in the audience who stayed all the way through to the end, and we will soon be posting the link on The Berkshire Edge. I want to thank you sincerely and enthusiastically […]
The Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce held the 3rd Annual Women in Leadership Luncheon and Awards on Friday, March 7 at Crissey Farm in Great Barrington. The awards ceremony celebrates women in both official and unofficial leadership roles – from business owners and organization directors to volunteer mentors and experts in their fields – who […]
*Application process is closed as of May 1. Drawing will be held in mid May. Construct, in partnership with the Town of Becket, is excited to announce a rare opportunity for first-time homebuyers! A newly set modular two-bedroom home on 0.28 acres in Becket, MA, is available for purchase at $230,000 through a lottery system. […]
Our Warm Up the Winter campaign is well under way and Berkshire United Way is helping us find volunteers for several important positions at the annual WUTW concert: ~ PR Table staff~ Wait staff~ Paddle Auction staff~ Entry Table staff When: March 6thWhere: Warm Up the Winter concert at the Guthrie Center in Great Barrington […]
Want to make a difference in your community? Berkshire United Way makes it easy to stay connected with local organizations in need of support, whether you have a few hours to spare or just want to stay informed. Visit the volunteer page at Berkshire United Way which links community members with local nonprofits working to create positive […]
Great Barrington, MA – Construct today announced its 18th annual campaign to Warm Up the Winter for south Berkshire County residents in need. The campaign raises funds for wintertime emergency assistance for fuel, utilities, rent payments, and short term accommodations for low-income residents. This year the Great Barrington non-profit aims to raise $150,000. “The winter […]
A major victory in affordable housing. 1/8/2025 Today, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court released a landmark decision in Attorney General vs. Town of Milton that affirms the responsibility of every MBTA Community under the MBTA Communities Act to zone for multifamily housing. The decision also confirms that the Attorney General has legal standing to enforce […]
As we come upon Thanksgiving, the winter holidays, and the new year, we invite you to reflect upon the support you may need —now, or in the near future—or the ways in which you can help your neighbors. There are times when we need help. And there are times when we are doing well and […]
Claire O’Callahan / Berkshire Eagle “Picture this. It’s 1969. Millions are marching against the Vietnam war, Black students are demanding the creation of Black studies departments and the nation is still reeling from the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. In the capitol, President Lyndon B. Johnson is five years into his multipronged “war on […]
Thank you to Green Circle Auctions for facilitating the online auction and repurposing—re-homing—of much of the Cassilis treasure. Their fabulous stewardship helped us raise nearly $30K to create affordable housing from which all of the Southern Berkshires will benefit. Green Circle Auctions not only preserves history but promotes sustainability through the reuse, rebirth and recycling of building […]
Antique House Parts Start Bidding September 23rd We’re excited to announce a partnership with Green Circle Auctions to auction off architectural and historical items from the iconic 1890s Gilded Age mansion, Cassilis Farm, before interior renovations commence. Proceeds from the auction will directly support the mansion’s transformation into eleven affordable housing units, providing much-needed homes for Berkshire families and […]
Founded in 2009, the Jewish Women’s Foundation of the Berkshires makes annual grants to organizations that work with vulnerable individuals and families to increase access to food, housing and other essentials; promote self- sufficiency; and empower youth and young adults. Construct has been fortunate to be a grant recipient nearly every year, starting with JWF’s […]
By Melissa Lydon / Fall 2024 Newsletter To outsiders, my family looked just like others in our affluent community. My mother, an intelligent, kind, strong single woman, worked full-time as a social worker. She raised three children on her own and appeared to make it work. Only we knew we were drowning in debt: incurring […]
The call went out across Berkshire County for volunteers to staff the Construct Designer Showhouse at Cassilis Farm during June, and the response was nothing short of inspiring. Over 100 neighbors from every town in the South Berkshires answered the call, cheerfully greeting and guiding visitors at the Showhouse every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday in […]
Empowering First-Time Homebuyers At Construct, we recognize the hurdles of achieving homeownership in South Berkshire County. We are thankful for the crucial role played by State Representative Smitty Pignatelli in securing a $100,000 grant from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) for Construct. Grant funds assist prospective first-time home buyers. We are pleased to announce that it has helped ten […]
August 1, 2024 CHAPA applauds the Massachusetts House of Representatives and the Senate for the passage of the Affordable Homes Act. This historic legislation will provide $5.1 billion in capital funding authorization and a wide range of housing policies to support the creation and preservation of tens of thousands of homes. CHAPA is proud to […]
Op-ed by Bryan Caplan / The New York Times “I would be the first to argue that if an economist claims to know of a cure-all policy — a reliable way to relieve a long list of social ills in one fell swoop — common sense tells you to stop listening. So it is awkward […]
Great Barrington, Mass. — Construct, the leading nonprofit provider of affordable housing and support services in the Southern Berkshires, has been awarded a $3.1 million grant from the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s 2024 Affordable Housing Development program. The state funds will help construct and subsidize 11 units at Cassilis Farm, a Gilded Age estate in New Marlborough, […]
On Friday, May 31st, over 150 Network partners came together for the 8th Annual Gathering of the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness at Holyoke Community College. A coalition of housing advocates from every level of government and community across our four western counties gathered in a call for action—and we were heard. In anticipation […]
By Heather Bellow, The Berkshire Eagle — May 29, 2024 John Lennon and Yoko Ono once brought their young son Sean to Cassilis Farm. The estate, once known as Brookmead, also hosted Jersey cows, prize-winning Hackney ponies, and maintained a blacksmith and a dog hospital. Later, an artist colony would begin to take root — […]
Thinking Outside of the Box to Meet Our Housing Needs Berkshire Magazine — By Laura Mars I arrived at Cassilis Farm in New Marlborough on a snowy February afternoon, excited to explore the Gilded Age mansion that is to be transformed into affordable housing. What a worthy new life for this impressive estate! First, though, […]
from Berkshire Style: In and Around the Berkshires, an online resource — by Kathryn Boughton By opulent Gilded Age standards, Cassilis Farm in New Marlborough was a modest château, having a mere 14 bedrooms in the main house and only six more in its annex. Built in 1890 and burned to the ground in 1902, […]
If you are familiar with the Lenox town center loop, you most likely have seen Andrea Bruce walking it. Or, maybe, even caught her paintings on display at a local gallery. Having called Lenox home for the past half-century, Andrea has undeniably carved out her niche within the community. However, what many may not realize is that Andrea also wears the […]
Join us for a FAIR HOUSING TRAINING on May 17th presented by Ellen T. Maxon, JD. Throughout her career, Ellen T. Maxon, Retired Civil Rights Investigator & Vermont Human Rights Commission, has investigated allegations of discrimination in housing, public accommodations, and employment. She continues to provide fair housing and implicit bias training. Please join us: […]
A Stunning Night of Music and Community Our Warm Up The Winter Concert was held March 7th at the Egremont Barn. What a night! Incredible performances from The Wanda Houston Band, The Interns, Billy Keene, Jackson Whalan, Matt Cusson, Andy Wrba, Matt Steckler, Natalia Bernal & Jason Ennis, and Jackson Ducharme. Many thanks to our […]
Fundraising initiative for affordable housing space in the southern Berkshires New Marlborough, Mass. – Construct, Inc., a nonprofit provider of affordable housing and supportive services to residents in fifteen towns across the southern Berkshires, is proud to announce its first Designer Showcase event/exhibition. Slated for the entire month of June 2024, the Designer Showcase will […]
— The Berkshire Argus Podcast Check out this interesting and informative podcast about affordable housing in the Southern Berkshires. “This episode of the podcast is a conversation about the current housing landscape with Bill Cooke and Ananda Timpane, two members of Great Barrington’s Affordable Housing Trust. The Trust is an appointed municipal board, made up […]
— The Berkshire Edge / Peter J. Most, January 22, 2024 “Last Thursday, Great Barrington Selectboard Vice Chair Leigh Davis went to Beacon Hill to testify before the Joint Committee on Housing in support of Governor Healey’s Affordable Homes Act. Ms. Davis testified regarding the particular housing challenges facing Great Barrington and to speak in […]
Berkshire Eagle ~ Opinion 1/27/24 “This affordable housing plan at Cassilis Farm exemplifies what’s possible when public, private and nonprofit interests put their heads together and their money where their mouth is to meet a local and regional need. This endeavor is another feather in the hat for Construct, a nonprofit that has been instrumental […]
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Wednesday, January 17, 2024 NEW MARLBOROUGH, MA – Construct, the leading nonprofit provider of affordable housing and support services in the Southern Berkshires, has received over $2 million in funding from Federal Home Loan Bank Boston’s (FHLB) Affordable Housing Competitive Funding Program, in partnership with Greylock Federal Credit Union. This award is […]
December 2023 The Great Barrington CPA has recommended that Construct receive $110,000 to establish a new Transitional Housing program at our Mahaiwe Street property. The new program structure will replace and improve our existing HUD-funded program, addressing specific needs and safety concerns to prioritize the homeless population and facilitate stable, long-term housing solutions. The Great Barrington CPA […]
December 22nd at the Cove Bowling Alley in Great Barrington Join us for a night of music, bowling, and community spirit at The Cove Bowling Alley in Great Barrington. Let’s come together to support our neighbors and ring in the holiday season. Music by The Lucky Bucket Band. Free entry. Cash bar & food available. […]
— The Berkshire Eagle Thank you to NBT Bank! “NBT Bank has donated a total of $30,000 to three South County organizations: The People’s Pantry and Construct Inc. of Great Barrington and Sheffield Food Assistance Program. Each organization received $10,000. The donations were made as part of the bank’s commitment to maintain charitable support in […]
— From The Berkshire Eagle, by Carole Owens “Today, if we want affordable housing in Stockbridge, we need an Affordable Housing Trust, government subsidies, and a housing production plan.”Stockbridge always had mixed housing; it occurred organically. Houses were built one at a time, all over town. There was lower-priced, medium-priced, and luxury housing on Sergeant […]
Thank you to Great Barrington! At a Special Town Meeting in October, Great Barrington voters overwhelmingly approved a $92,400 appropriation to address the critical shortage of temporary emergency housing in South County. These Community Preservation Act funds will allow us to utilize a detached, four-bedroom home on our Windflower property as temporary housing for local […]
Citizens Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) applauds the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their historic proposal to invest $4 billion in affordable housing. The Affordable Homes Act is more than a housing plan; it is a statement of values. Housing is the single best investment we can make for the future of Massachusetts. Governor Healey’s proposal builds […]
Congratulations to the Town of New Marlborough & Cassilis Farm The Healy-Driscoll Administration has just announced a $500,000 grant in support of the Cassilis Farm affordable housing project in New Marlborough. With this grant, Cassilis, a well-preserved, roughly 11,000 sq ft 1890s house will be converted into 11 units of affordable housing. The main house and connecting […]
Construct Inc. Looks For Support — The Berkshire Eagle / November 7, 2023 / Shaw Israel Izikson Great Barrington — Residents from throughout Berkshire County attended the “Call to Action: Solution for Housing Crisis” event at Race Brook Lodge on Wednesday, October 25, organized by Construct Inc. According to its website, the nonprofit organization was […]
Cocktails and Conversations: October 25, 2023 To those who attended “Cocktails and Conversations” at Racebrook Lodge (and those unable to make it) – WOW! What a night! Over 60 people attended the gathering, sharing stories of how housing instability has impacted them and offering ideas on addressing the crisis. Because of the success of last night, we […]
From the Berkshire Eagle, 10.12.23 Leigh Davis testified on October 11th at the State House about the lack of available and affordable housing in the Berkshires, and a proposal for a real estate transfer fee that would provide a critical tool for municipalities to help fund affordable housing initiatives. “ Davis, who also works for a nonprofit (Construct) that […]
Largest housing investment in state history will create more than 40,000 new homes. On October 18, 20213, the Healey-Driscoll Administration unveiled a $4 billion plan to jumpstart the production of homes and make housing more affordable across Massachusetts. The Affordable Homes Act, a comprehensive package of spending, policy and programmatic actions, represents the largest proposed […]
Berkshire Benchmarks recently released a State of the County Update for 2023. The report builds on their State of the County Report published in May 2022 and highlights notable changes in regional indicators over the past year. The purpose of the report is to highlight the region’s successes and challenges, providing a comprehensive overview of […]
from Connections, Summer 2023 newsletter In the Berkshires, nearly 1 out of 2 renters and 1 out of 3 homeowners cannot afford their current housing costs leaving them at risk of eviction or foreclosure. Many households forego other basic needs to stay housed. What is Affordable Housing?Housing is considered “affordable” when associated costs are 30% […]
Community organizations collaborate to fight affordable housing crisis and food insecurity “I think that there’s a lot of folks in the Berkshires that are property rich, but cash poor,” State Rep. William “Smitty” Pignatelli said in a blunt assessment towards the end of the Berkshire Housing and Food Summit on Friday, September 22 at Town […]
from Connections, Summer 2023 newsletter If you are facing eviction, you do not have to move out just because your landlord told you to, sent you a notice to quit, or sent you a Summary Process Summons and Complaint. You only have to move out if the court orders you to move out. If your […]
September 5, 2023 Massachusetts requires every town in the state to have 10% Affordable Housing. The SHI lists every town in Massachusetts along with their percentage of affordable housing. Congratulations to Great Barrington for crossing the 10% threshold! Williamstown also made a marginal increase. And Becket finally got on the scoreboard because of Construct’s work. […]
from Connections, Summer 2023 newsletter Since July 2022, Construct has contributed over $125,000 to provide community members with rental assistance. Construct’s permanent housing locations have provided safe and affordable shelter for hundreds of people, but the waitlist is long and slow-moving. There are currently 462 households waiting, and the list grows by the day. Creating […]
from Connections, Summer 2023 Newsletter In the past year, Construct has seen the southern Berkshires take leaps of faith from “Not in My Backyard” to proclaiming “Yes in OUR Backyard!” NIMBY (Not in My Backyard) is the acronym that describes the sense that while affordable housing is needed, many don’t want it in their community. […]
The Berkshire County Summit for Housing & Food Insecurity—Sept. 22 in Lenox Due to the housing crisis in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Governor Healey has declared a state of emergency to spotlight the issue and to begin working immediately to solve the problem. The Berkshire County Summit for Housing & Food Insecurity, organized by Representative Smitty […]
— Berkshire Eagle “According to a new study, the answer is $27 if you live in Pittsfield, well above the state’s minimum wage of $15. That’s a problem, housing advocates say, as wages aren’t keeping pace with the cost of housing in the area. The study by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, titled “Out […]
— Spectrum News 1 “Construct Inc. has announced a “final mile” closing cost grant of $2,500 for buyers in south Berkshire County, which includes 18 towns. There are 36 available grants, according to Construct Inc. housing navigator Kate Coulehan. Applicant eligibility is based on area median income and the town of the home they are […]
Massachusetts Legal Aid has compiled 15 booklets to help MA residents facing foreclosure or eviction. The booklets have practical information about the steps one must take to protect your rights. You may be able to get free legal help from your local legal aid program. If you cannot get a lawyer from your local legal […]
Great Barrington, Mass. – Construct has announced a “final mile” closing cost grant of $2,500 available to low-to-moderate-income south Berkshire County residents to help create access to home ownership. Massachusetts State Representative William “Smitty” Pignatelli successfully introduced an amendment to the Massachusetts American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) in the Fiscal 2023 Budget, appropriating $100,000 for […]
— 250 Strong Showed Up for Housing Justice in Western Massachusetts On Friday May 12th, Leigh Davis, Construct’s Communications and Community Engagement Director, joined 250 Western Massachusetts community members to focus on ending homelessness and housing insecurity in our region. The event, at Holyoke Community College, was attended by senators, representatives, legislators and mayors, as […]
Congratulations to Construct’s executive director, Jane Ralph, for being the recipient of this year’s Berkshire Women’s Impact Award. Jane was chosen for this honor “for your work, dedication to the Berkshire community, and the positive Impact made in the lives of the people you serve.” She is a worthy recipient!
Join us for this April 15th concert at Hevreh of Southern Berkshire. All proceeds for this concert will benefit Construct and the Religious Action Center of Massachusetts. Doug Mishkin is a longtime singer-songwriter in the Jewish community best known for his folk anthem “Woody’s Children.”
Construct, South Berkshires’ leading affordable housing provider, is pleased to appoint Leigh Davis as Communications and Community Engagement Director. Davis has been instrumental in creating real, tangible change in the Southern Berkshires through her position as Construct’s Development Director as well as her broader advocacy for housing opportunity. She was instrumental in acquiring Windflower Inn […]
Construct’s 2023 Warm Up the Winter fundraiser was held Thursday March 2, 2023 at Egremont Barn. The concert was a huge success, as was the campaign, which has thus far raised over $90,000 to help in-need Berkshire residents with fuel cost issues they face during the winter months. Lauren Ambrose and Gary Happ served as […]
Construct’s 2023 Warm Up the Winter fundraiser was held Thursday March 2, 2023 at Egremont Barn in the Berkshires. The concert was an enormous success, as was the campaign, which has thus far raised nearly $90,000 to help our neighbors. Lauren Ambrose and Gary Happ emcee’d the fun-filled annual benefit concert with the the Berkshire […]
Jane Ralph, executive director of Construct, spoke at the recent Distinguished Lecture series at Lenox Library focused on the “hidden people” of the Southern Berkshires. — Berkshire Eagle, March 2, 2023 “The Hidden People of the Berkshires” are not deliberately hiding; they’re simply so busy scraping together their wages to pay for basic food and […]
Annual Winter Campaign Focuses on the High Fuel and Electricity Costs Impacting Berkshire Households Construct will launch their annual Warm Up the Winter campaign on January 30, 2023. Focusing specifically on the issues Berkshire residents face during the winter months, the assistance campaign promises to help area residents—homeless, low income, and middle income Berkshire residents, including […]
1,000 New Applicants Seek Fuel Assistance in the Berkshires — The Berkshire Eagle PITTSFIELD — With the increase in utility prices and the general rate of inflation, more folks are seeking aid to pay for heat and power through the LIHEAP program administered in Berkshire County by the Berkshire Community Action Council. As of Tuesday, […]
Chronogram Magazine — January 1, 2023 By Hannah Van Sickle The purest form of democracy is alive and well in Great Barrington, Massachusetts. Each May, taxpayers come together at Monument Mountain Regional High School—or the parking lot there, as has been the case this past few years—to convene in an open meeting and vote on […]
Construct, an affordable housing developer, has scooped up a Gilded Age estate at auction and plans to convert its mansion into 11 affordable and low-income apartments. Two separate houses in mostly cosmetic disrepair on the 20-acre property also will be fixed up and rented to workers at affordable rates. One will be occupied by the […]
And to the Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire The Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce has named Construct Inc. and the Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire as the recipients of its Humanitarian Award this year. “Both organizations are very important because they have put hard work into developing affordable housing opportunities,” executive director Betsy […]
Our Opinion: A workforce housing project in Great Barrington is a unique prototype to keep our eyes on It’s a problem we hear from so many Berkshire business-owners: In communities that are heavy on service-sector jobs but light on housing that workers can afford, attracting a sustainable workforce is a tall order. Sticky problems like […]
“Homeownership for middle income folks is largely out of range,” Ralph told WAMC. “Affordable housing is completely filled. We have very low vacancy in ours, I know the same is true for the other affordable housing options, and there’s not much else. So those folks who are in the middle We’re looking for just a […]
“One of Irwin’s visions will be realized this month when affordable housing nonprofit Construct Inc. stepped in to buy the Windflower Inn to convert it to shared temporary housing for workers. Construct sealed the deal on Thursday. It was a long road. As Irwin and Firth searched for properties and land, Irwin spotted the 20-bedroom, […]
Inn to be put to use for workforce housing — From The Berkshire Edge, December 1, 2022 “Another grand old Berkshire retreat has been acquired by those working to address South County’s dire lack of affordable housing. The 13-bedroom Windflower Inn, just north of South Egremont village, will be sold to Construct, Inc. on Thursday, […]
The Baker-Polito administration just announced all 337 Community One Stop for Growth awards, including the 101 Community Planning, Housing Choice, and Rural and Small Town awards being made through DHCD. Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Undersecretary of Community Development Ashley Stolba and MassDevelopment President and CEO Dan Rivera were joined by state and […]
Early on in the project, Construct was proud to have been involved in writing the feasibility study for the new housing development. Great Barrington has secured a $3.2 million MassWorks grant to pay for infrastructure work at a planned affordable housing development on North Plain Road in Housatonic. The project, a collaboration between the town […]
Through the Attorney General’s Abandoned Housing Initiative Receivership Fund (AHIR), which incentivizes the conversion of blighted properties into affordable housing units, Construct was designated a court appointed receiver. With this appointment, Construct created the first affordable housing unit in Becket by rehabilitating a long-abandoned 3-bedroom property in town. Situated on 2.9 acres, the property has easy access to many ideal amenities for […]
Donate to our General Fund Who are our neighbors struggling with homelessness and housing instabilty? Construct’s expanding waitlist for housing includes: Help us keep our communities healthy and thriving. Help us eradicate homelessness and housing instability. Give once or give monthly. Your donations are greatly in need, appreciated, and transformational. Tax deductible donations can be made […]
Construct is pleased to announce our latest acquisition: the stately Cassilis Farm in New Marlborough. “We are thrilled that we were able to acquire the property at a favorable price and that we are going to be able to bring thirteen affordable housing units to New Marlborough and still keep the historic nature of this […]
For 52 years, Construct’s mission has been simple: to provide affordable housing to strengthen and diversify communities, stabilize lives, and empower individuals to build a better future. Our newsletters help us build bonds by letting our community know about our latest endeavors, undertakings, and all the good people who participate.
By Sheela Clary “There’s an 80-year-old woman living at the shelter because her landlord raised her rent and she couldn’t afford it. That’s gonna be all of us. When the blue and yellow flag of Ukraine comes down, perhaps we should replace it with a black circle and square on a bright red background, the […]
Lenox, Mass. — The Lenox Afforable Housing Trust would like to make the public aware that one of the homes offered for sale by lottery is still available for sale at the reduced price of $230,000. The home, located at 8 Hynes Street, is now available to any first-time homebuyer whose household income falls at or below the […]
According to The Berkshire Eagle’s recent article, Chronic Homelessness Just Doubled Across Western Massachusetts. Experts Are Clear About Why: The number of people found to be chronically homeless across western Massachusetts more than doubled this year, jumping from 118 to 303 people. The reasons are known. The solutions remain elusive. “We have nowhere near enough housing […]
The first annual Shopper’s Choice Awards have been announced by Shopper’s Guide, a weekly publication that has supported the Southern Berkshires community and the local economy for over fifty years. Readers of the guide were recently asked to vote on the businesses and organizations that make the region so special. Construct has been voted the Southern Berkshires’ BEST COMMUNITY […]
On April 28th, Lenox artist Margaret McTeigue will exhibit her work at Berkshire Money Management’s Open House in Great Barrington. McTeigue’s evocative artwork will be on exhibit the entire month of May, and 100% of the proceeds will go to support Construct’s work to increase affordable housing in the Berkshires. Please join us:Thursday, April 28, from 2:30-5:30 […]
Construct, the leading nonprofit provider of affordable housing and supportive services to south Berkshire County residents in need, is now accepting applications for a three-bedroom, two-bath house on 2.9 acres in Becket, MA for $250,000.
A frontline worker’s firsthand account of the housing crisis in the Berkshires, as told by Jessica Winn to Sheela Clary. This story was first published in the Berkshire Edge. I was gonna be homeless. We had nowhere to go. Through word of mouth, thank God, my friend was moving out of her three-bedroom duplex in […]
1Berkshire and Berkshire Regional Planning Commission Launch A Housing Vision for the Berkshires 1Berkshire, in partnership with the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (BRPC) and with support of a broad working group comprising housing practitioners from throughout Berkshire County, is excited to announce the launch of A Housing Vision for the Berkshires, a regional strategy intended […]
Wanda Houston and Friends present a benefit for emergency assistance. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2022 AT 7 PM – 8 PM
Construct, the leading nonprofit provider of affordable housing and supportive services to south Berkshire County residents in need, is now accepting applications for a three-bedroom, two-bath house on 2.9 acres in Becket, MA for $250,000.
Grateful to the First Congregational Church of Great Barrington, United Church of Christ for their donation of $1,255 to our Warm Up the Winter fundraiser!
A number of rural communities are dealing with some of the same challenges. Inclusive zoning and other regulations can help.
Thank you to all who joined our successful Affordable Housing 101 Webinar on December 14! We had over forty participants!
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