SASKATCHEWAN HOUSING ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR NEW RESEARCH GRANT

The Saskatchewan Housing Corporation is now accepting applications under its new research program, which provides a total of $45,000 for research grants. This year's theme for the Saskatchewan Housing Research Program is "equity, self-sufficiency and efficiency in housing."

"The theme is linked to one of the priorities of our provincial housing strategy, Homefirst," Community Resources and Employment Minister Joanne Crofford said. "It's a very timely, topical selection. It includes energy efficiency, which is on everyone's minds these days with the rising cost of heating our homes, and also reflects our government's recent announcement of the Saskatchewan Energy Share Plan. This program will encourage valuable research which can be shared and used to help to make housing more accessible and affordable for the people of Saskatchewan."

Announced last month, this program requires applicants to submit research proposals that are related to Saskatchewan-specific housing issues falling under the theme, involve new research that clearly addresses a specific question or issue, and use sound research methodology.

A housing research committee will review the applications and allocate the funding based on specific criteria. Committee members include representatives from Saskatchewan Community Resources and Employment, the University of Regina and the University of Saskatchewan, and the First Nations University of Canada.

The program is open to individuals and groups, and the deadline for applications is January 13th, 2006. Funding is for housing research only, not housing projects. The amount requested must be commensurate with the scope of research being undertaken.

A program description, application guidelines and applications forms are available on the Saskatchewan Housing website at http://www.dcre.gov.sk.ca/housing/index.html. More information is also available by calling 787-1998 or 787-6118.

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For More Information, Contact:

Debbie Clark Community Resources and Employment Regina Phone: (306) 787-8689