Hosanna House Singing About Bank's Gift

Thursday, December 19, 2002

By Ervin Dyer, Post-Gazette Staff Writer

Hosanna House in Wilkinsburg has received a $2.5 million holiday gift from Citizens Bank.

For the next 10 years, the bank will give the organization $250,000 in grants annually to help it provide health and social services for the disadvantaged, including job training, education, family support and addiction recovery.

Approval of the grant is expected in 2003. The money will be routed through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, which helps to form partnerships between the private sector and community groups.

Since its founding in 1987, Hosanna House has served nearly 100,000 people with education, youth services, help with recovery from addictions, family support, health services, job training and more, said Bishop Joseph L. Garlington, senior pastor of Covenant Church of Pittsburgh and chairman of the Hosanna House Board of Directors.

In addition to the $2.5 million commitment, Citizens is working closely with Hosanna House officials to develop opportunities for bank employees to assist with the organization's efforts. Initial plans include providing community workshops on banking, working with leaders from Hosanna House and the community to develop a loan fund to create successful businesses, and recruiting volunteers to tutor students.

The bank also plans to donate $30,000 for 100 new computers.

Citizens Bank plans to work through Hosanna House to:

Create a loan advisory team to work with residents to restore their credit and develop ways to obtain loans for homes, autos and other needs.
Provide training and support for Hosanna House staff in such areas as human resources and financial management.
Develop a Citizens Bank community beautification project each year.
Work with volunteers from the community to provide gifts for families in need during the holidays.

807 Wallace Avenue Wilkinsburg, PA 15221 • (412) 243-7711 • FAX (412) 243-7733