PROVINCE HELPS BUILD FIRST HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HOME IN HUMBOLDT

Two Habitat for Humanity partner families in Humboldt will soon have a home to call their own, thanks to $100,000 in funding assistance from the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation. Construction of the home was officially launched today at a sod-turning ceremony in Humboldt. This is the first Habitat build in Humboldt with multiple sponsors from within the community.

"This home is another wonderful example of Saskatchewan's spirit of caring and sharing in action," Crown Investments Corporation Minister Donna Harpauer said on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude. "This project is the result of individuals, business and government working in partnership to help Saskatchewan families attain homeownership and to ensure that Saskatchewan remains one of the best places to build a life."

"Along with the families, we are looking forward to the construction of our first Habitat project," Habitat for Humanity Saskatoon Humboldt Build Committee Co-Chair Robert Bellamy said. "There is a growing need for affordable housing for low income families in Humboldt and area. We are very pleased with the response from the citizens and businesses of Humboldt and the surrounding communities. We would like to thank the province for their generous contribution to this build."

Located at 521 - 2nd Street in Humboldt, the home will be a bi-level duplex. Each unit will have four bedrooms and consist of 1,900 square feet over two floors.

Since 2009, the province has dedicated $4.5 million in funding for Habitat for Humanity affiliates and chapters in Regina, Moose Jaw, Saskatoon, Yorkton, Prince Albert, Lloydminster, Nipawin and Humboldt to help build a total of 90 homes across the province. Habitat for Humanity anticipates a total of 35 construction 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 a minimum of 500 hours of volunteer labour toward the building of their home.

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For more information, contact:

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