Pittsfield, Massachusetts Print

Joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network:
1/15/2015

Lead Agency: Berkshire Regional Planning Commission

Regional Planning Organization/Metropolitan Planning Organization/Council on Government

Action Plan Download

An action plan is based on the results of community surveys identifying needs within the 8 Domains of Livability that influence the health and quality of life of older adults. While there is flexibility in how a plan is created and what it will do, every action plan includes a statement about what can be achieved, target dates for goal completion, identification of participating organizations and indicators to measure progress. The action plan is an "active" rather than static document. Revisions and amendments are a sign of program improvement and progress.

Action Plan Highlights

  1. Civic Participation and Employment

    Train older adults to become effective community volunteers, while training local organizations to use volunteers.

  2. Civic Participation and Employment

    Create opportunities for residents of all ages to engage on civic issues by hosting discussion groups at senior centers and libraries. Organize transportation to and from events with public officials.

  3. Housing

    Explore options to expand affordable housing and help residents age in place, including new financing models for housing development, homesharing arrangements and in-home technology.

Nearby AARP Community Challenge Projects

Berkshire Regional Planning Commission (2026)

Pittsfield, MA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2026

Project Category: HomeFit Modifications

Description: An updated guide and workshop will explain home modification loan options and safe aging strategies. Homeowners will receive technical support that helps them plan accessibility improvements.

City of Pittsfield Senior Center (2025)

Pittsfield, MA

AARP Community Challenge Grant Year: 2025

Project Category: Disaster Preparedness

Description: The City of Pittsfield Senior Center focused on helping older adults prepare for severe weather and power outages when many residents lacked clear emergency plans. The center delivered interactive preparedness workshops that paired practical guidance with personalized planning and starter emergency supply kits, reaching residents in housing communities, nursing homes and other local gathering spaces. The effort emphasized collaboration with local agencies to ensure information was accurate and accessible. The project strengthened community relationships and positioned the Senior Center as a trusted hub for emergency readiness. A key outcome was a formal evacuation partnership that designated the center as an evacuation site. One staff member said the work helped the center step beyond its walls and better support residents before the next emergency.

Project description was created using generative AI and then reviewed for accuracy.

ABOUT THE AARP COMMUNITY CHALLENGE

Launched in 2017, the annual AARP Community Challenge provides small grants to local governments and nonprofits in order to fund quick-action, ready-to-implement projects that can help communities become more livable for people of all ages.

See all nearby projects

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AARP Massachusetts State Office

One Beacon Street
Suite 2301
Boston, MA 02108
United States

Phone: 866-448-3621
Fax: 617-723-4224
Email: [email protected]