PROVINCE HELPS TWO HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PARTNER FAMILIES BECOME HOMEOWNERS

Two Habitat for Humanity partner families are becoming homeowners, thanks to $100,000 in funding assistance from Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC). The project, a two-unit duplex, was started by Mount Royal Collegiate students in the High School Carpentry Apprentice Program (HCAP).

"We are proud to help two more Habitat families achieve their dream of homeownership and, equally important, create a feeling of pride and a sense of belonging within their neighbourhood and community," Saskatoon Sutherland MLA Paul Merriman said on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude. "We commend Habitat for Humanity and the Mount Royal Collegiate students for their leadership and sheer hard work in making this project a reality. Together, we are making a difference in the lives of Saskatchewan families and making this province the best place to live, work and raise a family."

"Habitat for Humanity Saskatoon is thrilled to dedicate this home and the others that will follow, thanks to the Government of Saskatchewan, our donors and volunteers," Habitat for Humanity Saskatoon Executive Director Barb Cox-Lloyd said. "This was started as a high school carpentry apprenticeship project with the help of the Saskatoon Public Schools. We believe that involving students and volunteers in building homes for low-income working families provides them with an opportunity to build a stronger community."

Since 2009, the province has dedicated $3.5 million in funding for Habitat for Humanity affiliates and chapters in Regina, Moose Jaw, Saskatoon, Yorkton, Prince Albert and Lloydminster to help build a total of 70 homes across the province. To date, the government has committed more than $2 million of the $3.5 million in grant funding available to Saskatchewan Habitat for Humanity affiliates to develop 46 homes.

With the cost of building new homes increasing significantly, Habitat is one of the few organizations whose distinct delivery model continues to provide viable homeownership opportunities for low- to moderate-income families. 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 training and preparation sessions. In return, their lives are transformed by the positive experience of working with the Habitat for Humanity community and by the many benefits that come along with homeownership.

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For more information, contact:

Linda Saliken
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0246