About HousingUs
HousingUs is a tri–state collaborative effort of nonprofit organizations and community leaders to promote broad–based affordable housing options in towns throughout the northwest corner of CT, northeast Dutchess and Columbia Counties in NY and southern Berkshire County.The mission of HousingUs is to dramatically increase the rate of affordable housing development in the tri–state region. HousingUS achieves this mission by working in tandem with local communities to:
The initial members of the organization are the Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire, covering southern Berkshire County in Massachusetts; Housing Resources of Columbia County covering Columbia and Dutchess Counties in New York; and the Women’s Institute for Housing and Economic Development, covering Litchfield County in Connecticut.
HousingUs is governed by an advisory board that includes highly motivated local community representatives and professionals from each of the three states who are dedicated to the goal of creating affordable housing. HousingUs is an outgrowth of the Tri Corner Alliance, an initiative of Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, that has been working to create more housing for seniors and working families since 2002. It was renamed HousingUs in 2010 and launched a large public awareness campaign initiated by Winterhouse Institute with the support of a grant from the Sappi “ideas that Matter” Program.
Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire
The CDC of South Berkshire is a nonprofit development organization dedicated to building healthy, sustainable communities throughout the southern Berkshires. Its mission is to create housing and economic opportunity for low and moderate–income households. Since 2005 the CDC of South Berkshire has leveraged over $13 million in public and private investment for southern Berkshire County and created fifty affordable housing units. The current pipeline of projects includes over 160 housing units and 70,000 square feet of commercial space. With extensive experience and expertise in affordable housing and commercial/economic development, CDC of South Berkshire’s staff is expert in identifying sites, design and program development, securing financing, and overseeing construction of projects that resonate with the natural beauty of the southern Berkshires. For more information, visit www.cdcsb.org.Housing Resources of Columbia County
Housing Resources of Columbia County, Inc. has been assisting residents with their housing needs since 1984. A private not for profit organization, Housing Resources is committed to improving housing conditions and increasing housing choices throughout Columbia County and adjacent communities. The agency offers a variety of housing related services including home ownership assistance, affordable apartment rentals, home improvement grant and loan programs, and residential and mixed–use commercial real estate development. The Agency also provides assistance to local governments for community planning efforts and community facility projects. Housing Resources, is a New York State Rural Preservation Company, was fully chartered as a NeighborWorks Organization in 1996 and was certified by the U.S. Treasury as a “Community Development Financial Institution” in April 2000. For more information, visit nfs.nw.org.Women's Institute for Housing and Economic Development
The Women’s Institute is a leader in creating affordable housing that supports low–income individuals and families in the region and has a rich history of success in partnering with community groups and providing affordable housing, economic security models, and support programs. The Women’s Institute has a strong organizational commitment to working in collaboration with local partners. Since 1981, the Women’s Institute has worked with over 40 organizations to develop 50 housing projects ranging in scale from 6 to 60 units. Its Connecticut office, located in Middletown, CT, is available to develop in each of the 169 towns of Connecticut, including the Northwest corner. The Women’s Institute staff is skilled in securing financing, overseeing design and construction and project management. For more information, visit www.wihed.org.Local & regional housing organizations
For more information, contact Jocelyn Ayer, of HousingUs, at 413.229.0370 x105 or jayer@housingus.org
