Board of Health rejects camping ban; backs peer support program instead
Homelessness Advisory Committee · Meeting of March 4, 2026
PITTSFIELD — The Homelessness Advisory Committee heard the Board of Health's recommendation against a camping ban. Director of Public Health Andy Cambi told the committee the health department instead proposed a peer support program modeled on Northampton's work, with trained staff hired through the health department to rebuild relationships between the city, the unhoused population, and downtown businesses. The program targets sanitation concerns and aims to identify service gaps by partnering with existing providers.
The committee also set April 9 for the next Housing Resource Fair, with Erin Forbush offering to host at the First.
In the full story:
- The complete report — 249 words
Source: the Homelessness Advisory Committee meeting of March 4, 2026, reported from the official video recording and transcript.
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