PROVINCE AND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY MAKE HOMEOWNERSHIP COME TRUE FOR TWO REGINA FAMILIES

Two Habitat for Humanity Regina partner families received the gift of a lifetime - a new home to call their own - at a key ceremony held in Regina today. The two affordable housing projects received $100,000 in funding from the province through the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC).

"Owning a home, no matter how big or small, is a dream that many of us share," Regina Wascana Plains MLA Christine Tell said on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude. "Like Habitat for Humanity and its partners, our government believes that everybody deserves to have a safe, affordable home to call their own. We congratulate Habitat for Humanity and, most importantly, the partner families as they take advantage of the opportunities this province has to offer."

"Providing keys to first time homeowners is one of the most moving and gratifying experiences of my life," Habitat for Humanity CEO Dennis Coutts said. "Families for the first time are living in their own clean, safe, decent and affordable home which is a special experience. We are so grateful to our funding partners and volunteers, who bring this community together, making a difference one family at a time."

The funding is part of the $1 million investment announced by the province on April 1 to assist Habitat for Humanity's Saskatchewan affiliates in providing 20 homes for lower-income Saskatchewan families in housing need. This funding is on top of the $1 million that was announced by the province in March 2009. As of November 2010, the province has 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.

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.

The single family homes are located at 1060 Angus Street and 1416 Retallack Street in Regina.

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For more information, contact:

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