December 17, 2013 Merry Christmas to you, friends of Wilkinsburg!

It is with a full heart that at I sit down to write to you. T Tonight onight I received word that our 1023 Application for Recognition of Exemption Under Section 501(c)( 501(c)(3) 3) of the Internal Revenue Code finally has been submitted to the IRS. This has been en a long and arduous process. Rejoice with us that this application for official non-profit profit status is complete. And please pray that the application is approved with w no delay. Give thanks to the Lord for Jeff Fromknecht, CEO and President of Side Project Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting and advancing charitable and philanthr philanthropic efforts large and small. They provide legal and professional support to non nonprofit profit organizations, charitable foundations, and corporate and individual philanthropy. When the Duquesne Law Clinic closed we needed other professional help, and God led us to Side Project Project. Jeff came alongside us to help us finish our application. When WCH has been approved as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit we will be in a position to apply for community grants from local l banks and other foundations. This is a momentous step for us. This year we held ld our first major fundraiser. Over seventy persons turned out to enjoy an evening of fellowship, food, musical entertainment, and a presentation of the vision and mission of WCH. Through the generous gifts of those in attendance, we raised $5,000 for our lat latest est project on Princeton Blvd. The evening was made possible in n part by donations from Turners Dairy, y, Giant Eagle, La Gourmandine Bakery, Trader Joes, Chickfila at Miracle Mile, and Jonathan Holzer from Hartwood Restaurant. Restaurant We give thanks for these local community partners who have contributed to the success of our mission. The house on Princeton Blvd. is progressing. The roof is completed. In any renovation project the roof is of utmost importance as it provides protection from the weather for the whole structure. . With the house now under roof, , other renovations c can begin. Framing of the new kitchen is underway. This area had suffered significant water damage amage from a hole in the roof. The next major step in the project is the wiring. We are receiving bids from electricians and hope to hav have someone under contract soon. n. This is a very important tant step for obvious reasons. The wiring of a house is a major safety issue. It must be done correctly. Pray that we will be able to get the right person to do this work soon. Once the wiring is finished, then we will have power in the house which will make further rther renovations much easier. We will order windows to install this winter and early spring. The plumbing and heating will follow in good order. Your prayers and donations make this work possible. Thank you for joining us in laborin aboring for the good of Wilkinsburg. Whether you live nearby or far away away, you are seeding into the future of this community, and you are helping to bring the gospel spel to light. For your friendship and partnership with th us, we are deeply thankful. As the year closes would you please consider making a year-end end donation to help us complete this house? May the peace of God pervade your home this Christmas season, as we remember the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for our sake He became poor, so that we through His poverty might become rich.

Pete Smith Executive Director