PROVINCE HELPS REGINA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BUILD HOMES FOR FAMILIES IN NEED

A Habitat for Humanity partner family is achieving their dream of homeownership after receiving keys to their new home at a presentation held in Regina today. The project was undertaken by Habitat for Humanity Regina, with $50,000 in funding assistance from the province. The Anglican Diocese of Qu'Appelle also participated in the construction to commemorate their 125th Anniversary as a diocese.

The funding is part of the $1 million investment announced by the province on April 1, 2010 to help Habitat for Humanity's Saskatchewan affiliates provide 20 homes for lower-income Saskatchewan families that have housing needs. This funding is on top of the $1 million announced by the province in March 2009.

"Our Government is pleased to assist Habitat for Humanity and their many partners and volunteers to help more families improve their quality of life," Tourism, Parks, Culture and Sport Minister Bill Hutchinson said on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude. "As of October 2010, we have committed $1.4 million of the $2 million grant funding available to Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the province to assist in the delivery of 28 homes. This is another example of what can be achieved when communities work together."

"Together, we are making a difference, and this could not happen without support from our partners," Habitat for Humanity CEO Dennis Coutts said. "The financial contribution to every house we build in Saskatchewan indeed changes the lives of deserving families, but it does not stop there. Affordable homeownership changes generations of lives. Thank you for your warm and generous support to Habitat for Humanity."

"We are blessed to be involved in helping to provide a home through Habitat for Humanity," Bishop of Qu'Appelle Gregory Kerr-Wilson said. "Habitat's goals and methods have helped us to put our Christian Faith into action and give a concrete expression of love for those who are in need of a home."

Each selected Habitat partner family contributes 500 partnering hours to build their home and other Habitat for Humanity homes. This assists in the development of the Habitat for Humanity community and their neighbourhood.

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For more information, contact:

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