U.S. Rep. John W. Olver, Announces $45k for Housing Counseling in Berkshire County

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Congressman John W. Olver (D-1st District), (File Photo)
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman John W. Olver (D-1st District) announced that the Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority’s Housing Services and Mediation Program (HSMP) has received a $45,000 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing Counseling grant.

The Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority’s Housing Services & Mediation Program (HSMP) administers a wide array of programs and services to promote housing stability. These programs and services include, comprehensive housing counseling; loss mitigation counseling; alternative dispute resolution programs (i.e., mediation, conciliation and negotiation programs); homelessness prevention and resolution services; and anti-poverty programming.

Congressman John Olver said, “In these difficult economic times, the Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority’s work is more important than ever. Over 1,200 Berkshire County households benefit from the Authority’s programs each year. I am very pleased that HUD has recognized how important these programs are to our community.”

Brad Gordon, Executive Director of the Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority, said, “BCRHA appreciates Representative Olver ongoing support of these critically important programs and services. The HUD grant is a key resource for the community that will ensure continued assistance to at-risk Berkshire County households facing a variety of housing related challenges. The opportunity to provide comprehensive housing counseling during the current economic downturn is especially significant.”

HUD Housing Counseling grants support the delivery of a wide variety of housing counseling services to homebuyers, homeowners, low-to moderate-income renters, and the homeless. The primary objectives of the grant program are to improve financial literacy, expand homeownership opportunities, improve access to affordable housing and preserve homeownership.
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Battle of the Berkshires Tournament Continues in Pittsfield

iBerkshires.com Sports
PITTSFIELD, Mass. -- The Berkshire Force 16U travel softball team earned a 12-4 win over the Nor'Easters to wrap up pool play at the Battle of the Berkshires at the Doyle Complex.
 
Arianna Perkins went 3-for-4 with a pair of doubles and four RBIs to lead a 13-hit attack for the Force.
 
Lillian MacDonald was 2-for-3 at the plate with a pair of doubles, and Ava MacMahon, Mackenzie Biros and Markiara Jackson each had a pair of hits.
 
Amelia Polidoro and McMahon split time in the circle in the five-inning win, combining to strike out eight and allow three earned runs.
 
The Force 16U squad took a pair of losses earlier in the day on Saturday: 11-2 to the Worcester Union Rose and 12-10 to the Charlton Wildfire.
 
Elsewhere in 16U play, the the Greylock Thunder Saturday beat the Demo, 17-2.
 
Avery Lane earned the win in the circle with a three-inning, complete-game effort.
 
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