Berkshire Community Development was founded to meet the unique housing and community development needs of Berkshire County.

The founder of BCD, Dawn Odell Lemon, brings a wealth of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and state-funded program administration experience and construction expertise — coupled with positive long-lasting relationships and rapport with municipal partners, homeowners, contractors, and community stakeholders throughout Berkshire County, gleaned over the course of myriad successful collaborations — to this new venture.

As a recognized leader in Massachusetts' Berkshire County, BCD’s founder has achieved high marks in program delivery and construction quality from program participants and Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) program representatives; successfully rehabbing over 100 CDBG-funded Housing Rehabilitation Projects, utilizing over $3.8 million in funds in the past four years.

Our Programs

Housing Rehabilitation Programs



These are regional programs in Massachusetts that provide a 0% interest, deferred, forgivable loan to make critical repairs to your home. We are currently managing programs for Egremont, Lee, and Great Barrington.

  Completed Projects

  What People are Saying
  • Smitty Pignatelli
    Dawn has taken on challenging tasks and managed them with visionary leadership and impressive execution. Her leadership, dedication, and commitment are exceptional, and our community is better because of her.
    Smitty Pignatelli
    State Representative, 3rd Berkshire District
  • Great Barrington Resident
    You have not only relieved me of the stress of deteriorating lead paint and rusting steam pipes, but you have improved the overall look of my beautiful old house. You have inspired me to continue to make improvements whenever possible. Thanks to the WONDERFUL administrator, Dawn Lemon’s high standard of professionalism, efficiency, courtesy, and positivity, she made the whole project such a pleasure!!
    Great Barrington Resident
  • John A. Saari LLC
    I have been providing Housing Rehab Consultant services to several Cities, Towns, and Non-profit Organizations throughout Massachusetts over the past 25-plus years, and have worked with Housing Rehab Coordinators, Community Development Directors, Housing Directors, and Program Managers throughout the State of Massachusetts, and without question, Dawn Odell Lemon rates among the top 5 percent of them all.
    John A. Saari LLC
    Housing Rehab Specialist
  • Sandisfield Resident
    This program was the answer to my prayers. I was in need of a roof badly along with other repairs and without this program, my house would have been destroyed by major leaks in the roof. The team was amazing, especially Dawn Lemon! Dawn was fantastic throughout the whole project!!
    Sandisfield Resident
  • Alex Komlev
    It has been a privilege working with Dawn for the past 4 years. Dawn is a very hard-working person who is always helpful and willing to go out of her way to assist in any situation beyond what was required of her and did whatever was needed to resolve any problems. Dawn is very organized, responsible, and diligent with helping resolve any issues that might arise between the contractors and clients. She possesses great communication skills and is an individual who is able to work with different personalities with utmost professionalism and integrity. Dealing with Dawn was always a blessing.
    Alex Komlev
    AK Construction
  • Egremont Resident
    We are VERY grateful to the program for making it possible to install new windows and siding for our home. Without this program, we would not have been able to make these home improvements that have added not only to our lives but the surrounding community has also spoken with us about how much better the house is. The team was very professional and efficient to work with and willing to accommodate our unique circumstances.
    Egremont Resident
  • David A. Burgess
    I have had the pleasure of working with Dawn Lemon for the past three years. First and foremost, Dawn is by far the most organized and detail oriented of all the agencies workers I have dealt with since 1990! Additionally, she has gone farther than anyone I know in truly understanding the State Lead Law, meeting with me several times at various sites to educate herself about the law and the practical and technical aspects of the Deleading process. It has been quite refreshing to meet someone who acts professionally at all times and truly cares about providing good service to her clients.
    David A. Burgess
    Emerald Lead Testing, Inc.
  • Monterey Resident
    Dawn demonstrated the highest level of professionalism, care, and competency. Her attention to both the details of a project and the needs and expectations of the project partners is remarkable. I witnessed her negotiate and navigate the delicate balance of the needs of the grantee, grantor, contractor, and staff in a way that was at once clear, firm, and sensitive to all involved. She has integrity. Always, she holds the mission/purpose of the project and the people it serves at the fore. It was indeed a pleasure to work with her, and we are ever grateful for the service that she provided to us through her energy, efforts, and professional stewardship. She is a wonderful person and leader in the field!
    Monterey Resident
  • Robert J. Hinton
    Our company has had the pleasure of working with Dawn Lemon for the last three years. Her enthusiasm, welcoming personality, and attention to detail have made it a joy to work with her. During the course of our three-year working relationship, Dawn has demonstrated commitment to her position by always being available, even taking phone calls on the weekend. Her goal was to always provide support and guidance to those working alongside her. To be able to find someone that is able to work with both facets with ease is a rarity and valuable.
    Robert J. Hinton
    CMV Construction Services, Inc.

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