GB Affordable Housing, Health Care and Food Security Programs Receive ARPA Grants

The town is using its latest round of federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to inject more than $1 million into local affordable housing initiatives, food security and community health care organizations. Combined with funding allocated earlier this year, the town has awarded more than $2.075 million in federal ARPA funds to local organizations.

The recent awards include $199,610 for the Hillside Apartment Complex and $500,000 for the Marble Block acquisition on Main Street, both of which are projects of the Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire. Another $650,000 is designated for the Windflower Inn redevelopment as a workforce housing residence, a project of Construct Inc.

Health care, food security and household assistance comprise the remaining ARPA distribution.

Community Health Programs will receive $150,000 for its expansion and reconfiguration of dental care services in Great Barrington; VIM Berkshires will receive $100,000, and Rural Recovery will receive $50,000. People's Pantry will receive $73,500; Berkshire Bounty will receive $20,000, and Berkshire Agricultural Ventures will receive $20,000.

"In considering how to distribute ARPA funds during the last year, the Selectboard has decided that investing in affordable housing options in town will have a lasting, long-term impact on our community," said Town Manager Mark Pruhenski. "Access to affordable and workforce housing options is a high priority for our residents who work and live here full-time."

The federal ARPA initiative of 2021 provided approximately $8.7 billion to Massachusetts, of which municipalities received $3.4 billion to offset impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.