REGINA FAMILY ACHIEVES HOMEOWNERSHIP WITH HELP FROM PROVINCE AND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

A Habitat for Humanity partner family in Regina received the gift of a lifetime - their very own home, thanks to $50,000 in funding assistance from the Government of Saskatchewan through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation. The family received keys to their home today at a special ceremony held in Regina.

"We are pleased to work with Habitat for Humanity to welcome another family home," Regina Coronation Park MLA Mark Docherty said on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude. "We applaud Habitat for Humanity and the many people who have come together to volunteer and contribute to this worthwhile project. That is the essence of the Saskatchewan Advantage - people helping people to build upon opportunities that are presented and to create real, lasting change in our province."

"We are so thankful that the Government of Saskatchewan, through Saskatchewan Housing, recognizes the need to help more families achieve home-ownership," Habitat for Humanity Regina CEO Dennis Coutts said. "With continued support from the government, corporate partners and volunteers, we will be able to continue helping families break the cycle of poverty. This particular build is very unique in that the home was built by TASCAP (Trades and Skills Construction Apprenticeship Program) students. Through TASCAP, Grade 11 and 12 students interested in a career in construction have received hands-on training and the experience of a lifetime building a home together."

Since 2009, the province has dedicated $4.5 million in funding for Habitat for Humanity affiliates and chapters in Regina, Moose Jaw, Saskatoon, Humboldt, Yorkton, Prince Albert, Lloydminster and Nipawin to help build a total of 90 homes across the province. Saskatchewan Housing Corporation has advanced $2.4 million of the $4.5 million available to Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the province to assist in the delivery of 48 homes for families. Habitat for Humanity anticipates 35 starts throughout Saskatchewan in 2012.

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. Homeowners must contribute 500 hours of sweat equity toward the building of their home.

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For more information, contact:

Trish Alcorn
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0916
Email: trish.alcorn@gov.sk.ca