Wilkinsburg Christian Housing

1300 Swissvale Avenue, Wilkinsburg, PA 15221 www.WilkinsburgChristianHousing.org 412-371-6118

Board of Directors James Copeland, Chair Jennifer Au Autumn Butler Robert Edgar John Irwin Brian Janaszek Faith Martin Patrick Marx

December 3, 2012 Seasons Greetings to you, our many friends and supporters!

When I was asked to move to Wilkinsburg in order to direct Wilkinsburg Christian Housing, I knew it would be a long-term commitment. The development of this kind of ministry is not done quickly. And it is certainly not done alone. So first off, thank you, thank you, thank you, for your continued interest, your prayers, and your unwavering support. Your partnership with us is indispensable to the work we are seeking to undertake. After renovating our first house in 2011, we needed to catch our breath. So this past year we did smaller projects. In partnership with the Wilkinsburg Affordable Housing Coalition, we worked on the homes of two widows who live in the community. I have seen these women occasionally since our work days, and they continue to be deeply grateful for the work we were able to accomplish. As James says, this is true religion, to help widows in their distress. Thank you for enabling us to do this in our community. In late July, we became aware of a vacant property that needed to be sold due to a bankruptcy. We investigated the possibility of taking possession of the property and entered into an agreement to buy the home for one dollar, contingent upon a favorable ruling by the presiding judge. The settlement will be finalized on December 6, Lord willing, and we should have our next project! This house will not require the same extensive work that our first house needed, however, it still calls for much work to renovate it to livable condition. Give thanks for this house and pray that God might provide what is needed for its restoration. In addition, please consider making a year-end contribution to help us with this next project. You can donate through our website or send a check in the enclosed envelope. Once again, thank you for helping us be a blessing to Wilkinsburg. At our Saviors birth the angel announced good news and declared peace on earth. In a small way we seek to extend that peace that sense of wholeness and well-being to those who need it most. Thank you for sharing in this gospel ministry. So from the board of directors and my family, may God give you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Sincerely,

Pete Smith Executive Director

708 Princeton Avenue