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, all under one roof, the spectrum of essential human services not currently available to much of Wilkinsburg.

Due to its strong emerging role in the community, the Covenant Church of Pittsburgh was selected to assume the 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 1990’s Hosanna House was able to purchase the abandoned former Horner Middle School which is centrally located in the heart of the community. Over the next several years more than 500 volunteers gave of their time helping to renovate the building for use. In 1996 we officially opened our doors as Hosanna House - Community Center of Western Pennsylvania!