We are moving closer to making the first day center for the homeless and unemployed of Berkshire County a reality. We are having a volunteer training at First United Methodist Church, 55 Fenn St. in Pittsfield, on Tuesday, Feb. 1 at 9:30 AM. At 2:30 on Feb. 1, the church opens their doors for the Harvest Table meal and gets about 80 people. This will provide us with a practice run.

We are looking at opening the doors Feb. 3 as the official start. Then the center will be open Tuesday and Thursday each week for three months. Depending on response, we will adjust the schedule and could possibly expand.

We need volunteers to greet and to fill out the intake forms. We are also searching for people to provide programs, such as skill development, and to help raise funds for heating. There are presently 14 organizations participating.  We also need computers and comfy chairs.

If you would like to participate in any way, you can just show up on Feb. 1 at 9:30 at First United Methodist Church, 55 Fenn St. in Pittsfield, or you can call Paul Deslauriers at 413-232-7888 for more information.