Light of Life Rescue Mission moves to new, more spacious location on the North Side
The Light of Life Rescue Mission known for lending a hand to the homeless, is also extending its reach.
It unveiled a new location on Wednesday that is much larger than the original one and can help it serve more people.
“This has been 25 years in the making,” said Doug Smith, director of development for Light of Life on Friday. “We have been looking to move because our other location was way too small.”
The project started more than a year ago and the new $6 million Voeghtly Street location on Pittsburgh’s North Side is the culmination of the first phase of a $22 million capital campaign.
They’ve raised $16 million, largely through private donations along with some state funding, Smith said.
The 23,000-square-foot building has more space than the former location along E. North Ave. They can serve four times the capacity.
The second phase includes refurbishing a former school building on Ridge Avenue, also on the North Side. That should be done in two years and provide more space for long-term programs and some administrative offices. Construction is set to begin later this year.
The new location has three floors. The first has a dining area, kitchen, day room and office space.
The second floor is an emergency shelter and short-term living space for men. There are 38 currently.
The third floor holds short-term living space for women and children. There are 40 women, most with children.
They receive a hot meal, and a place to sleep as well as access to resources. This will be the first time women and children will be housed at Light of Life. In the past, women were placed in apartments.
Light of Life provides a 12-18 month transformation program for men and women dealing with addiction and homelessness.
Smith said he is seeing an increase in need because of the pandemic. Having more space is crucial. He said at the previous spot residents had to leave during the day because there wasn’t enough room.
Here, they can go out if they want but they can also stay because there are lounge areas and a patio with a view of the city. It is closer to Downtown Pittsburgh and was chosen because it is located in an area where homeless already congregate so the population can be better served, according to a news release.
“We want this to be a place for those who come here to feel they are worthwhile and to have a good meal in a place that is welcoming,” Smith said.
Light of Life Rescue Mission was established in 1952. It is a Christian nonprofit organization providing recovery programs and food and shelter for Pittsburgh’s poor and homeless. It helps those with recovery from substance addiction and mental health issues, and provides educational courses to prepare them for careers and independent living.
The mission is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. No one is denied services.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop is a TribLive reporter covering the region's diverse culinary scene and unique homes. She writes features about interesting people. The Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist began her career as a sports reporter. She has been with the Trib for 26 years and is the author of "A Daughter's Promise." She can be reached at jharrop@triblive.com.
Remove the ads from your TribLIVE reading experience but still support the journalists who create the content with TribLIVE Ad-Free.