Tucked in the heart of Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, Hosanna House stands as a testament to the power of community engagement and resilience. What once was Horner Middle School—a grand 1916-built structure—has been transformed into a vibrant hub of services, education, and support for the people of Pittsburgh. The evolution of this space is a story of dedication, vision, and collective action. SITI Girl Pittsburgh had the pleasure of touring the facility with Gloria Nelson, Director of Development and Social Impact and De’Saundra Sullivan, Communication Assistant and Community Liaison.
The Abandoned School Turned Community Hub
Gloria shared with us that Horner Middle School was once an institution that educated generations of children from a wealthy neighborhood. However, one year, for reasons still unknown, the school was abruptly abandoned. Teachers and administrators never returned, leaving behind remnants of an unfinished day—cookie trays and half-eaten brownies in the cafeteria. What could have been a symbol of neglect and decay instead became the foundation for something absolutely extraordinary.
Hosanna House, led by the visionary Leon Haynes, stepped in to reclaim and repurpose the space. With a clear mission to serve the community, Haynes rallied local residents, asking them what they needed most. The response was overwhelming. On a single summer volunteer day, 500 people arrived, determined to help renovate the building. Today, Hosanna House offers a wide range of services, including early childhood education, workforce development, and health and wellness programs.
A One-Stop Shop for Community Services
The transformation of Hosanna House into a comprehensive service center is nothing short of inspiring. Several nonprofit organizations and health service providers lease space within the building, ensuring that essential services remain accessible to those in need.
One of the standout features of Hosanna House is its MakerSpace, created in partnership with the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh. The MakerSpace encourages children to engage in hands-on learning, sparking creativity and curiosity. A partnership with the Tuskegee Airmen Museum further enriches the educational experience, connecting children with history and innovation.
Another remarkable initiative is the Cool Zone, a collaboration with the Pittsburgh Penguins Foundation and UPMC. Designed to help children manage behavioral challenges, the Cool Zone provides a safe space with licensed psychologists and social workers who guide them through emotional regulation techniques. This approach allows children to remain in school and continue learning rather than being removed from their educational environment.
Affordable Housing and Economic Growth
Hosanna House doesn’t just address education and wellness—it is actively involved in tackling housing affordability. In partnership with Action Housing, the organization is developing a commercial and residential space on the corner of Penn and Center, a project set to break ground this winter. The building will offer income-based apartments, ensuring that longtime residents can afford to stay in their community. Additionally, Hosanna House is developing townhomes that will be sold at affordable prices, giving families the opportunity to build equity and secure long-term housing stability.
Pathways to Employment
Through its Pathways to Work program, Hosanna House partners with UPMC to offer job readiness training, resume preparation, and career assessments. Participants are guided through the hiring process, receiving weekly updates on their applications. Once hired, they are supported for four months to ensure long-term success. The program has already placed over 100 individuals into jobs with an average salary of $22 per hour, significantly impacting economic mobility in the community.
A Thriving Future
Hosanna House operates on a sustainable model, funding its initiatives through a combination of grants, donor contributions, rental income, and service fees. Its Hope Group generates revenue by leasing space for events such as weddings, conferences, and reunions, with all proceeds reinvested into community programs.
The impact of Hosanna House is undeniable. With its emphasis on education, workforce development, health services, and housing, it has become a cornerstone of stability and opportunity for countless families. As new projects take shape and partnerships grow, Hosanna House continues to redefine what a community center can be—proving that when people come together with a shared purpose, transformative change is possible.
For more information on Hosanna House’s programs and initiatives, visit their website or stop by to see firsthand the incredible work being done to uplift the community.
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