Budget Counseling

BUDGET COUNSELING

1) CONSUMER CREDIT COUNSELING SERVICE OF SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND

489 Whitney Ave, 3rd floor

1-800-282-6196

Holyoke, MA 01040

34 Depot Street, 2nd floor

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Hours: Call for appointment. Some evening and Saturday hours available at both locations.

Education and counseling services relating to effective budgeting and intelligent use of credit. Will assist in the development and implementation of a debt repayment plan.

2) ELDER SERVICES OF BERKSHIRE COUNTY. INC. (www.esbci.org)

66 Wendell Avenue

413-499-0524

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.

Services for elders 60 years and older. Case management, information and referral, homemaker/personal care, home health services, nutrition, “Meals on Wheels” program, housing, adult family care, ombudsmen (advocacy for elderly patients in long term care facilities) and money management program. Nursing home prescreening, protective services, employment opportunities for elders, volunteer opportunities (transportation, shopping and companionship) and transportation resources. Support group for family caregivers of the elderly.

3) FAMILY LIFE SUPPORT CENTER, INC.

85 Main Street, Suite 228

413-664-8279

North Adams, MA 01247

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. (Can leave message evenings and weekends.)

Housing search assistance and homelessness prevention through apartment listings, landlord/tenant mediation, housing code checklist and limited financial aid. Emergency homeless shelter (Louison House). Employment & budget counseling, assistance in obtaining benefits if eligible (food stamps, WIC, housing subsidies). Information & referral for child care, as well as information about free medical and dental services. Also runs emergency food pantry.

4) FRIENDS HOUSE FAMILY SHELTER Operated by Berkshire Community Action Council

292 West Street

413-499-2877

Pittsfield, MA 01201

(Office) Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. (Someone is available 24 hours/7 days a week.)

Short-term (three months) housing available for homeless families (not individuals) in Berkshire County. Works with families and agencies to ensure long-term housing placement. Pregnant single women are eligible. Shelter can accommodate persons with disabilities. Also offers GED tutoring, budget counseling, nutritional instruction and family advocacy.

5) SALVATION ARMY (PITTSFIELD) (www.salvationarmy-ma.org/locations/corps_pittsfield.shtml)

298 West Street

413-442-0624

Pittsfield, MA 01201

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.- noon, and 1 p.m.- 4 p.m. (Bread pickup open until 4 p.m.)

Grocery items for anyone in need, referrals for emergency housing, budget counseling, counseling for families, marriage counseling, and counseling for victims of domestic violence. Also handles Pittsfield Area Council of Churches (PACC) emergency funds. Serves breakfast daily (9-10 a.m.) and Sunday evening dinner at 4:30 p.m.