Stable housing is the foundation of a successful life. And for Anne Schnesel, this is the message of the Brick Campaign. With bricks representing structure, strength, and security, Anne launched the Brick Campaign in honor of her late husband Ernie, whose strength of spirit had enriched many lives.
Starting at $25 per brick, donors can impact areas of housing insecurity often overlooked, such as transportation and childcare costs and essential hygiene items–necessities that, when depleted or scarce, can cause anxiety and compound housing insecurity.
“The Bricks represent a foundation…the foundation of a person as important as the foundation of a building … the support needed for someone to start over, regain their footing, and thrive.”
Construct board member, Elaine Silberstein, is a regular donor to the Brick Campaign, giving bricks as birthday presents, in memory of loved ones, or even as hostess gifts. “The Brick Campaign has been a meaningful way for me to express my love to others throughout the year while taking steps to create a stronger community.”
Construct Opens Affordable Housing Lottery for Becket Home
Great Barrington, Mass. – Construct, the leading nonprofit provider of affordable housing and supportive services to south Berkshire County residents in need, is now accepting applications for a three-bedroom, two-bath house on 2.9 acres in Becket, MA for $250,000. Construct is administering the lottery, which is limited to first-time homebuyers at 80% or less of area median income. Applications are due by April 1, 2022, and the lottery will be held on April 5. The project developer is Construct, with support from the Community Preservation Committee of Becket and a Small-Town Housing Initiative Grant.
The 1,344 sq ft house at 2442 Main Street in Becket, MA, has three bedrooms and two full bathrooms on the main floor. The ground level is a plumbed, unfinished, full walk-out basement. The property includes a two-car detached garage with an attic above it that is in need of work. Applicants must be pre-approved for a mortgage before submitting their applications. Information sessions are on January 31st at 1 pm and February 2nd at 7 pm. Please visit the “Becket Lottery” page for more information about the lottery and how to apply. Applications and questions can be directed to applications@constructberkshire.org, or call (413) 528-1985.
“Affordable housing throughout south Berkshire County is a vital part of Construct’s vision for an inclusive community in which all people are welcomed and allowed to succeed,” said Jane Ralph, Executive Director of Construct. “I congratulate the work of our development team and look forward to welcoming the future resident of 2442 Main Street, Becket.” Housing Director, June Wolfe, adds, “Thanks to the Community Preservation Committee of Becket and a Small-Town Housing Initiative Grant, we can sell this house for less than what it cost to build. It takes a village, and we are very grateful for everyone’s support.”
ABOUT CONSTRUCT, INC.Based in Great Barrington, Construct has been the leading nonprofit provider of affordable housing and supportive services to south Berkshire County residents in need for over 50 years. With a small, highly skilled staff and committed volunteers, Construct leverages time, talent, money, and long-standing community relationships to support its mission. Providing 67 permanent, affordable housing options, Construct also offers ten units for individuals transitioning out of homelessness. The bulk of Construct’s annual income comes from individual donors. With this support, Construct helps rebuild security, stability, and hope in the southern Berkshires.
A long standing tradition at the First Congregational Church is to decorate the sanctuary for Christmas with poinsettias. These are purchased by members of the congregation, including dedications to honor loved ones. This year, the congregation decided to reduce the poinsettias and invite people to purchase “Virtual Christmas Poinsettias” with monies donated to our Warm Up the Winter fundraiser which raises critical funds for low-income residents in need of emergency accommodation and support paying fuel and utility bills.
The staff and Board at Construct thank the members of the First Congregational Church with special mention to Donald Hagberg, Lay Leadership Chairman; Rev. Tara L. Tetzlaff, Pastor; and Lay Leadership Council members Diane Homeyer, Karen Carson, Jerry Soechting, Bonnie Daniels, and Barbara Syer.
