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Category Archives: Wilkinsburg Community Development

Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation has Mini-grants for Youth and Education Initiatives

Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation (WCDC) is seeking funding applications from Wilkinsburg-based groups and organizations that support academic and civic endeavors of youth in the borough. A total of $3,000 is available and may be awarded in its entirety or in smaller amounts to multiple groups. Applications are available at the WCDC website, www.wilkinsburgcdc.org, or at the WCDC office, and must be submitted by April 4.

Applications will be evaluated on the number of Wilkinsburg youth that are served, projects that support low- to moderate-income individuals or census tracts, and improvements that can be measured. Further consideration will be given for partnerships or collaborations, projects that support the mission of the WCDC, and planned documentation of the project, such as reports, photo, or potential media coverage.

Last year’s funding supported the Wilkinsburg High School ninth grade civics class’ Gym after Dark initiative, which allowed the gym to be open during non-school hours with supervision, providing a free, safe place for the youth. Other past recipients include Wilkinsburg Boys & Girls Club, which received the first grant in 2010, putting five more Wilkinsburg youth through nine weeks of summer camp; and the Wilkinsburg Community Ministry, which supplemented its Youth Meal Partnership program in 2011 and 2012.

More information is available at http://www.wilkinsburgcdc.org/programs-and-projects/education-and-youth. All projects must be completed by August 31. Successful applicants will be notified by May 2.

The Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation was formed in June of 2008 with a mission to revitalize Wilkinsburg and surrounding areas through business and residential development, organizational and individual civic leadership, and cultural enrichment.

Occupy Wood Street

Sheriff’s Sale for 16,500-square-foot property set for Mon., Feb. 3 Tracey Evans sees opportunity knocking, and it’s right next door. The executive director of Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation (CDC) spends her days working out of the nonprofit’s office on the south corner of Penn Avenue and Wood Street, in the business district. From there, she… Continue Reading

Wilkinsburg Students Raise Support for Greening Public Spaces

On Monday, Aug. 26, 2013, students from Wilkinsburg will host a screening of their short documentary Wilkinsburg: The Way We See It, at 6 pm, at Hosanna House. The students are partnering with the Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation to raise support for the greening of Wilkinsburg’s public spaces. The film highlights innovative projects in Wilkinsburg, including redevelopment initiatives… Continue Reading

Wilkinsburg Public Art Database Seeks Information from Residents

The Wilkinsburg Community Art and Civic Design Commission (WCACDC) announced that it has created a Public Art Database and is seeking assistance from community members in finding all the art and artifacts in the Borough. Wilkinsburg residents are asked to submit photos, locations, and other information about any painting, photo, public sculpture, memorial, mural, or… Continue Reading

Vacant Property Recovery Program Improves Wilkinsburg for Residents and Businesses

From facilitating the expansion of restaurants and other small businesses, to providing creative space for artists and community gardeners, the Allegheny County Vacant Property Recovery Program (VPRP) is proving to be a vital tool for community renewal in the Borough of Wilkinsburg. Expanding a Small Business Alaa Aqra, owner of Al’s Fish and Chicken, recently… Continue Reading

Wilkinsburg to Revisit Liquor License Referendum in 2015

Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation (WCDC) led a campaign to get a referendum on the April 24 primary election ballot that would allow restaurants to apply for (R) liquor licenses from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, but fell short of the 2,010 signatures that were required. During a three-week collection period, 15 local businesses and 19 volunteer… Continue Reading