It’s been 15 years since the Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation opened our office with a single goal in mind: to help our community reach its full potential. At the time, we faced challenges that felt daunting—but we worked together to create a vision. We saw neighbors stepping up, small businesses with big dreams, and a community ready to rise. As I reflect on our journey, I am filled with gratitude. Because of your belief in Wilkinsburg and your support of the WCDC, we have made that early hope a reality.
These are just some of the successes that your support has made possible:
Restoration of the Wilkinsburg Train Station and the Historic Lohr Building.
20 new development projects on the horizon, including the Penn Lincoln Apartments and restoration of the Wilkinsburg Bank Building.
50 grant awards totaling $250,000 to Wilkinsburg small businesses.
200 entrepreneurs trained through Core Four Business Planning Workshops.
40 Wilkinsburg homeowners received much needed home repairs.
Support for Strong Neighborhood groups to tackle blight and abandoned property.
Provided over $120,000 in support to 30 organizations, reaching more than 3,000 youths who participate in local summer and after school programs in Wilkinsburg.
Generated over 300 positive press articles about Wilkinsburg and hosted thousands of residents and visitors at our street festivals, home and garden tours, and community events home and garden tours, and community events.
But beyond the numbers are the stories — Of a family opening a long-awaited storefront, of neighbors turning vacant lots into green spaces, of ground breakings and community events— moments of joy that remind us what community is all about. Your support has helped us build momentum, and that momentum is real. Looking ahead, we are committed to completing 10 major commercial projects, reducing residential vacancy by 20%, and continuing to foster strong, thriving neighborhoods.
Thank you for standing with us—whether you’ve been here since the beginning or recently joined this journey. We are deeply proud of what we’ve accomplished, and even more excited about what’s next. To keep this momentum going, we need your help. As we mark this milestone, will you consider making a special 15th Anniversary gift to the WCDC?
Your donation—whether $15, $150, or whatever feels meaningful to you—will go directly toward programs that uplift our community. Our 15th anniversary is not just a celebration of our past—it’s a launchpad for our future. We’ll keep working every day to make Wilkinsburg a place where everyone can live, work, and thrive.
Thank you for believing in this work and in the promise of Wilkinsburg. Here’s to the next 15 years – and beyond!
With sincere appreciation,
Tracey Evans Executive Director, WCDC
Please visit https://wilkinsburgcdc.org/donate/ make a donation online. Or if you’d prefer, you can mail us a check payable to: Wilkinsburg Community Development Corporation at 729 Wood St. Wilkinsburg, PA 15221.
