MORE HOUSING FOR SASKATCHEWAN FAMILIES

Through increased funding this year from the Government of Saskatchewan, approximately 89 Habitat for Humanity partner families will secure a better quality of life by realizing their dream of owning a safe, stable home.

The province is providing an additional $2 million this year to help build 40 new Habitat for Humanity homes throughout Saskatchewan.  With this funding, the government has committed a total of $6.5 million to Habitat for Humanity since March of 2009.  This year’s funding is double the amount provided last year and leads the nation in percentage of increase.  Over the past four years, government funding has helped Habitat for Humanity start 73 new homes in eight different Saskatchewan communities – a substantial increase compared to the 41 units built over the 12 year period between 1996 and 2008.

On top of the $2 million in funding from the provincial budget, the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation is providing an additional $600,000 to Habitat for Humanity through the Summit Action Fund.  This funding will allow Habitat to purchase and develop land in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert to build another 39-49 units for deserving partner families in those cities.           

“Our government is honoured to support Habitat for Humanity’s work providing affordable homeownership opportunities for Saskatchewan’s low-to-moderate-income families,” Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude said.  “This funding will help many hard-working families to enjoy the benefits of stable housing and achieve their homeownership goals.”

“We thank the government for the leadership they’re demonstrating by investing $2 million to expand access to affordable homeownership for low-income families here in Saskatchewan,” Habitat for Humanity Canada President and CEO Kevin Marshman said.  “They’re truly setting the example of how the provinces can work with Habitat to help families not only get by, but break the cycle of poverty and transform their lives.”

Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization working toward a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live.  The organization mobilizes volunteers and partners to build homes that provide families of low-income with access to affordable homeownership.  Each selected Habitat partner family contributes 500 hours of sweat equity to build their home and other Habitat for Humanity homes, and participates in valuable homeownership training and preparation sessions.

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For more information, contact:

Andrew Dinsmore
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8689