Many of you are familiar with Construct, a not-for-profit organization in its 50th year of operation, located in Great Barrington, serving the South County community. Its mission entails “providing housing services, shelter and affordable housing to persons of very low to moderate income.” In order to service our community’s most vulnerable neighbors, throughout the year, Construct sponsors fundraising events. With that said, it is the time of year for the annual Mayfest fundraiser. This year marks the 19th year for this popular event, a well-attended gathering with enthusiastic support for Construct’s work. In the past, a suggested donation to support Construct’s mission was generously made. Friends and family members celebrated in a local venue, enjoying a taste of different foods prepared by some of the finest local restaurants, brewers and distillers.
Unfortunately, because of the coronavirus epidemic, a face-to-face gathering is impossible this year and, of course, Construct wants everyone to be safe and stay home. However, Construct recognizes that because of recent events, many of our neighbors are suddenly faced with financial hardship, having much difficulty paying day-to-day expenses. According to Lisa Henriques, events coordinator, “Our neighbors need our help more than ever.” She also said, “Construct is determined to raise funds and to continue with their plans to hold the Mayfest.”
So, the show will go on, although Construct’s Mayfest will be known this year as Mayfest in Place and the celebration will happen remotely in a safe place. This one-of-a-kind celebration will take place Monday, May 18, at 5:30 p.m. It is new and different but necessary to comply with state shelter-in-place advisories. Henriques did say, “It’s not exactly what a typical MayFest has looked like in the past, but we hope people will understand physical distance does not have to prevent social distance.” Henriques further added, “Construct is predicting a huge success.”
Mayfest in Place will happen this way: Prior to the event, individuals can purchase a $95 no-ticket ticket (100 percent tax deduction) from Construct’s website or by mailing a check to Construct at 41 Mahaiwe St., Great Barrington, MA 01230. On the day of the event, celebrants order a meal(s) from one of the restaurants listed below for a 5:30 p.m. curbside pick-up or, if available, delivery to their residences. (Based on ticket sales, Construct will provide a 20 percent tip to support participating restaurants). Meanwhile, folks may have already made arrangements to connect virtually with friends and family to socialize while enjoying an excellent meal. There will be many ways to celebrate. For instance, Construct suggests using social media Facebook or Instagram and virtual formats Facetime or Zoom to join others in the traditional spirit of the annual Mayfest celebration. Construct encourages posting a video on Facebook to show others that attending a fundraiser remotely can be fun while at the same time providing help to our most vulnerable neighbors.
All donations received are used wisely to fund many of the successful programs Construct has provided the community. Some of the programs include the operation of a transitional living facility, providing shelter to those individuals facing or experiencing homelessness. Also, there are several affordable housing properties owned and managed by Construct, allowing low-income individuals the opportunity to live in permanent housing. Additionally, Construct has a housing navigator, who helps individuals find safe and affordable housing.
The most recent program Construct administers, COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program, helps individuals whose income has been affected by the coronavirus pandemic pay their rent. This has proven to be a much-needed service, as our vulnerable population is growing during the pandemic. According to Courtney Kimball, transitional housing and Project Home coordinator, “A lot of people have applied to the program.” Kimball has also found applicants coming from all walks of life but sharing similar stories: suddenly losing their jobs because of the pandemic, leaving little, if any, monies to pay rent. A compilation of these stories shows how sudden unemployment can place in jeopardy housing for both the landlord and tenant. Because many landlords are local without ties to corporations, they are as such mom-and-pop owners, relying on rental income not only to pay their property mortgages, but their own living expenses as well. Clearly, both tenant and landlord are invested in each other’s financial well-being and even emotional as well. Notwithstanding today’s gloom and doom, positive stories can be told because of Construct’s help and generous support from the community.
Construct understands this is a difficult time beyond most people’s imagination. Nevertheless, it is reaching out to the community for help by asking for generous donations, emphasizing the need is greater than ever. Anne Schnesel, board member, noted that “our community is depending on it because the most vulnerable are even more vulnerable.” Jane Ralph, executive director, added: “In this time of overwhelming need, we know we live in an overwhelmingly generous community. We all need to dig as deep as we can to get through this pandemic and keep everyone safe at home.”
If you are unable to participate in Mayfest in Place, Construct asks you to make a donation you feel comfortable with. There is also opportunity to buy one brick for $25, or as many as you like, to honor someone special in your life. An actual brick is not given, but the purchase is a symbol showing that all that is needed is one brick at a time to build affordable housing.
Construct is such a vital lifeline to our community and relies on the mantra “Housing is Healthcare” to fuel its determination to help our vulnerable neighbors. Construct thanks you in advance for your financial support.
Here’s how to make a financial contribution:
Mayfest in Place no-ticket ticket: constructinc.org/#rsvp
Donation: constructinc.org/donate
Buy a brick: constructinc.org/bricks
Note: In lieu of the website, contributions can be mailed to 41 Mahaiwe St., Great Barrington, MA 01230
Participating restaurants and food producers:
Aegean Breeze
Aroma Bar and Grill
Ayelada Frozen Yogurt
Baba Louie’s Pizza
Barrington Brewery and Restaurant
Berkshire Mountain Distillers
Big Elm Brewery
Bizen Gourmet Japanese Cuisine
Café Adam Bar and Restaurant
Cantina 229
Chez Nous Bistro
Domaney’s Liquors and Fine Wines
ExtraSpecialTeas
GB Eats
Gedney Farm
John Andrews Farmhouse Restaurant
Klara’s Gourmet Cookies
Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health
Mezze Restaurant Group
Nejaime’s Wine Cellars
Number 10
Pleasant and Main
Rawson Brook Farm
Rouge Restaurant and Bistro
Rubiner’s Cheesemongers and Grocers
SoCo Creamery
Tangier Café
The Great Barrington Bagel Co.
The Marketplace Kitchen
The Old Mill
The Prairie Whale
The Red Lion Inn
The Stagecoach Tavern
Xicohtencatl Mexican Restaurant
