Homelessness in the Berkshires
The homeless problem in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, is a growing concern, as evidenced by recent data and reports from shelter workers and service providers in the region. As we analyze the issue, several theories and interventions offer insight into the causes and potential solutions for homelessness, particularly in the context of Berkshire County’s unique challenges.
Recent articles highlight two main concerns: increased homelessness in the city of Pittsfield and the limitations of Point-in-Time (PIT) counts in accurately reflecting the full extent of homelessness in Berkshire County. Shelter workers are worried that the 2023 PIT count, a nationwide effort to count the number of homeless on a single night in January, may not fully capture the situation in the Berkshires. The region’s rural nature, combined with a lack of resources and the transient nature of some homeless populations, means that many people who are experiencing homelessness might not be counted.
Research has shown that effective interventions require a multifaceted, systemic approach. A systematic review of homelessness interventions highlights several strategies that can reduce homelessness, including:
Housing First Program: This is an approach that focuses on providing stable housing as the first step in addressing homelessness, followed by mental health, addiction, and other needs. Evidence suggests that Housing First programs are particularly effective in reducing homelessness and improving the overall well-being of individuals, as they provide a stable foundation from which people can begin to address other challenges. Other strategies are
Preventive measures, youth – focused interventions and comprehensive social services.
In my research, I interviewed a worker from Service Net, (who did not want to disclose her name), I will call her Kathy. Kathy stated before gaining employment at Service Net, she herself was homeless, with 2 small children, living in a car. She did not want to subject them to a shelter environment. Kathy says Service Net currently houses 40 people, in large dome style rooms, on bunk beds. The homeless are fed 3 times a day, access to showers, and have many rules to follow. If a program rule is broken, they will be automatically kicked out. Some of the homeless in the shelter have been there for over 2 years waiting for housing funds to open up.
Mike has one of his legs amputated and is wheelchair bound, I speak with him in the morning as I walk into work. His spirits are always high, he says I brighten his day. Mike has been in the shelter for over a year, waiting for funding to open. He says there’s not much he can do but wait and hope.
Funding seems to be an issue not just in Berkshire County, but all over the country. In 2021, the PIT count showed 110 unsheltered people in the city and that number rose to 158 in 2022. In 2023, 221, 180 were in shelters, 31 unsheltered and 10 were couch surfing. Now, the PIT count is staggering 3,862, a dramatic increase from the previous years.
Homelessness in Berkshire County is an urgent issue, one that is exacerbated by rising housing costs, economic inequality, and limited access to service. Shelter workers are rightly concerned that the current Point-in-Time count may not fully capture the scope of the problem, particularly in rural areas.
YEAR PIT
2021 110
2022 158
2023 221
2024 3862
· References
* Shelter workers are concerned this year’s point in-time count won’t accurately capture homelessness in the Berkshires. Berkshire eagle by: Claire O’ Callahan
* Count Shows Increase Homelessness in Pittsfield .i Berkshire.com By: Bittany Polito