Housing Authority

Members

• Philip Orenstein, Chair 
  Term Expires: 2029
• VACANT
  Term Expires: 2028
• Maureen Meier, Treasurer
  Term Expires: 2030
• VACANT, State Appointee
  Term Expires:  2026
• Jacqueline Sinico, Town Appointed Tenant Board Member
  Term Expires: August 7, 2028

Staff

• Nancy Messina, Executive Director
• Donna Newman, Assistant to the Executive Director

Overview

The Housing Authority was created by unanimous vote at Great Barrington's town meeting in May 1963. The Authority now oversees Flag Rock Village off Park Street/Route 183, Housatonic, with 18 family apartments and 32 senior units; Brookside Manor on South Main Street, Great Barrington, with 31 senior units; Dewey Court in Sheffield, with 22 senior/handicap one-bedroom units and 8 family units; and one state Department of Developmental Services house.

The State Department of Housing and Community Development oversees and helps finance these units. No town funds are used.

The Housing Authority's Board of Commissioners has five members. Town voters elect three, and the governor appoints one. Starting with the May 2023 elections, one of the five seats will be filled by a tenant nominated by the tenants' organization of the three facilities and one appointed by the Selectboard.

Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) regulations give tenants hiring priority for jobs at the Great Barrington Housing Authority (GBHA)

Employment Opportunities:

• Maintenance Tech