By Neil Strebig

The Light of Life Rescue Mission in Central Northside announced the approval of a licensed agreement for property near Madison Avenue and the Veterans Bridge in East Deutschtown Jan. 14 with the Urban Redevelopment Authority. The new agreement comes in the wake of a collaborative effort by Light of Life director Craig Schweiger, Mayor Bill Peduto and the URA.

“This was an amazing day for Light of Life, the community on the Northside and Pittsburgh in general,” Schweiger said in a statement. “Relocation efforts have spanned over 20 years now looking for the right fit and for something that was beneficial to the community. After all of that work, we could not have found an opportunity better than what we have now.”

The new satellite property will aim to provide emergency shelter, food and chapel services for the area’s homeless. Light of Life’s 635 Ridge Avenue location, purchased in 2012, offers long-term housing, transitional housing and emergency shelter. The current location, which also features staff offices, will look to expand on their current services along with renovations to their Ridge Ave. School. Both locations seek to continue offering aid to local homeless and those in need of refuge.

“The balanced sites between our Ridge Avenue School and the property on Madison Avenue will give us the absolute best opportunity to serve the population in the very best manner,” Schweiger said.

Despite being approved for the liscensed agreement earlier this month Schweiger and Light of Life Rescue Mission will need to proceed with city zoning hearings before construction can officially begin.