For far too long the commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) or also known as the sexual trafficking of children, has been happening in Berkshire County and has gone under the radar. Every year, minors within our own communities are being trafficked all throughout Berkshire County. Both boys and girls are also being brought over state lines to Connecticut, New York and Vermont to be exploited. This is happening to children ages 6-18 that are from all different social classes including the poverty stricken and the wealthy. There was a study done in 2022 that after a child runs away, within 6 minutes they are approached by a trafficker. What starts with a friendly conversation online can quickly turn into a nightmare.

Every year, there are minors who are recovered from human trafficking in Berkshire County. After they are recovered, the question is “What’s next?” The answer is, HOPE!

We are excited to share that the “Berkshire Hope House” is in the process of opening and will provide an answer to that very question. The “Berkshire Hope House” will be a place where children can find hope and healing in their recovery process. This will be a safe place for them to be and one that they can call their own. 

The “Hope House”will be the first of its kind in Berkshire County with an incredible collaborative team at the heart of it all. Those that are on this team have already been in the fight against the trafficking of children and have extensive experience. The Berkshire Dream Center is honored to join this incredible network and be one piece of the wheel that’s already moving forward by providing the building for this important mission to take place. At the “Hope House,” we will have many things to support the children in their journey including: 

-A survivor mentor working directly with the children 

-Trauma informed staff

-After school help with computer programming

-A reset room where they can unwind

-New clothing, hygiene items, blankets, school supplies and other miscellaneous items for them to shop from. 

-A kitchen & dining room to learn cooking skills and enjoy meals together (Going to be built)

-And many things for them to enjoy including a recreational room, art station, music classes, after school snacks and fun events together. 

Because of the sensitivity of this cause, we will not be disclosing this location and ask for everyone to respect the privacy of these children. Their healing process is more important than anything else. Thank you for your understanding and discretion. 

Currently we are in need of items for the building to open and are fundraising for the kitchen renovations that we hope to complete in the near future. Our fundraising goal to build a new kitchen and dining room for these children is $200,000. We also would love to find community partners to work with us on this aspect of the project to bring costs down.

Items needed for this building to open can be found on our Amazon list by clicking:

Anything you are able to donate will be greatly appreciated and be sent to our main location @ 475 Tyler Street Pittsfield, MA 10201. We will be adding to this list on an ongoing basis as needs arise, so please make sure to check back! 

Monetary donations are also needed and can be made by selecting “Berkshire Hope House” from the drop down menu and by clicking:

All donations are tax deductible! 
It’s beginning to really come together thanks to donations from an incredible community taking care of their own! If you have any questions regarding this program please feel free to email: berkshirehopehouse@gmail.com

Thank you for your giving as we all work together to help these children here in Berkshire County! This is our community. Let’s take care of it together.

We also invite you to join us for our “Night of Dreams Gala” on Friday, June 14th where we will be fundraising for all of the programs of the Dream Center including the Berkshire Hope House!