SASKATCHEWAN ANNOUNCES THREE NEW HOME REPAIR PROGRAMS

Low-income homeowners, tenants, people with disabilities and landlords will have more options to improve their properties following the introduction of three new repair programs by Saskatchewan Housing Corporation as part of HomeFirst, the province's five year housing plan.

The Saskatchewan Emergency Repair Program, the Saskatchewan Home Adaptations for Independence Program and Saskatchewan Rental Repair Program are new programs expanding the options currently offered through federal and provincial funded programs. The Saskatchewan Emergency Repair Program is targeted to low-income homeowners living in communities with more than 2,500 people. It is a companion program to the Emergency Repair Program, a federal/provincial cost-shared program now targeted to only people living in communities with less than 2,500 people.

The Saskatchewan Home Adaptations for Independence Program is offered to non-seniors with a maximum forgivable loan of $3,500 per unit. It is a companion program to Home Adaptations for Seniors Independence Program, a federal/provincial cost-shared program only for people 65 years or older. The Saskatchewan Rental Repair helps landlords bring their properties to a standard that would allow their tenants (families or people with disabilities) qualify for help through the Saskatchewan Rental Housing Supplement Program. It is a companion program to the Rental Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program, a federal/provincial cost-shared program.

"These three new programs are being introduced as part of our HomeFirst commitment to improving affordable housing conditions for low-income Saskatchewan people," Community Resources and Employment Minister Joanne Crofford said. "The Saskatchewan Rental Repair Program is being introduced specifically to support the Saskatchewan Rental Housing Supplement, introduced earlier this year and designed to help low-income tenant families and people with disabilities secure housing that is accessible, affordable and of reasonable quality."

The new repair programs will result in an investment of up to $12 million over five years and represents a component of the $200 million commitment made by the government through the HomeFirst housing plan. It is anticipated that up to $2.5 million of this funding will be committed in 2005-06. Those interested in applying can contact Saskatchewan Housing Corporation toll-free at 1-800-667-7567 or their local housing authority for more information.

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For More Information, Contact:

Greg Urbanoski Community Resources and Employment Regina Phone: (306) 787-4011 Cell: (306) 537-2879