History
Once a thriving borough east of Pittsburgh, Wilkinsburg has absorbed more than its fair share of social and economic dislocation since it was established in 1887. The decline of the steel industry in the 1980s hit the town especially hard and in 1987, Wilkinsburg was declared a distressed community.
In 1987, the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Social Work was commissioned by the Wilkinsburg Borough to conduct a community needs assessment. This study concluded that a one-stop human service center would greatly enhance the delivery of service in the Borough. The idea was to offer, under one roof, a spectrum of essential human services not currently available to much of Wilkinsburg.
Due to its strong emerging role in the community, Covenant Church of Pittsburgh was selected to assume leadership in developing a plan to open a community center to meet the needs of the Wilkinsburg residents. After a careful review of the University of Pittsburgh study, Covenant Church took a leadership role in forming Hosanna House, Inc., a separate 501 (c)(3) organization which was incorporated in 1989.
Leon E. Haynes, III, the first and current Executive Director, was identified to lead the community building process that would initiate new programs and partnerships, and facilitate development of the one-stop shop. Mr. Haynes brought together government, social service, business, community, school and religious leaders to undertake the creation of this community center.
In the early 1990s Hosanna House, Inc. was able to purchase the former Horner Middle School, which was abandoned and centrally located in the heart of the community. Over the next several years more than 500 volunteers gave their time, helping to renovate the building for use. In 1996 we officially opened our doors as Hosanna House, Inc. - Wilkinsburg Community Center of Western Pennsylvania!
Today Hosanna House, Inc. is a multi-purpose community center which serves over 27,000 people a year. We impact youth, families, and individuals by offering quality health and human services. We provide a variety of services and programs that include: early childhood education, youth recreation, tutoring and mentoring, youth and adult technology, men’s services, career development, health and dental care, and permanent supportive housing. All of the services that we provide have been initiated as a response to the needs of the community. |
