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As the costs of apartments in Southern Berkshire County rises, and job opportunities are limited, many families and individuals struggle to pay rent. One organization is fighting to help those individuals get back on their feet. “To change and save lives through housing options and a continuum of related services”. Hundreds of people’s lives have been changed and continue to change because of this mission.
Construct, a nonprofit organization based in Great Barrington, MA, was founded in 1969 by a group of church leaders and concerned citizens in response to President Johnson’s “War on Poverty”. In the first few years, Construct provided 6 houses for first-time homebuyers with a low income. After many more lives improved by this organization, it has continued to provide housing services for the most vulnerable residents within the 15 southern Berkshire towns.
The housing agency provides transitional residentency for homeless individuals or people with a very low income. Residents can stay as long as they need at Construct. In the Each building has five separate individual rooms/beds and each building has a living space, a bathroom, and a kitchen.
Construct owns and manages 8 different properties with a mix of individual and family options. “They come back at night and the space is theirs,” says June Hailer, education and housing specialist at Construct. There are ground rules regarding times to be in at night, and times to be out of the building in the morning.
While Construct would like to be able to allow a shelter to everyone in need, there is a process. First, the person has to apply and be placed on the waitlist. Applicants on the waiting list have to call in every friday to stay on the list. If they forget one week, they go down on the list. If they stop calling, it usually means they have found a new place to stay.
During the day, residents have to be out, working to improve their situation. Residents may be going to school, volunteering, or working. “Their goal is to be able to save up some money so that they can rent their own apartment and stay stable in the community,” says June Hailer. These opportunities are provided and managed by Construct.
Construct provides an abundance of services for residents. Residents can ask for assistance with applications for permanent affordable housing. If a person does not have their high school diploma, they can earn a GED through Construct. Construct provides morning classes two times a week, once a resident feels they are prepared, the resident can take the final test, earning the equivalent to a high school diploma. This improves the individual’s qualification for jobs.
“A representative at Berkshire Career Center comes down here once or twice a month and meets with some of our clients about jobs,” Hailer says. They provide help with finding jobs that will help the individual get a steady income.
Construct is helping build community throughout Berkshire County by providing housing for those in need. They set an example of what more communities should strive to be, and inspire citizens to help others and be selfless.