YORKTON FAMILY ACHIEVE HOMEOWNERSHIP WITH HELP FROM PROVINCE AND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

A Yorkton family became homeowners today at a key ceremony hosted by Habitat for Humanity. The province, through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC), contributed $50,000 to help Habitat for Humanity build the home.

"Although Saskatchewan is one of the best places to live, work and raise a family, finding a safe, quality home is still a challenge for some families," Yorkton MLA Greg Ottenbreit said on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude. "Today's key ceremony reminds us why partnerships with organizations like Habitat for Humanity are needed. Not only are we creating and building sustainable communities, but we are providing hard-working families with a new beginning, starting with a home to call their own."

"We're really pleased that another Habitat for Humanity partner family will receive the key to our second Habitat home in Yorkton," Habitat for Humanity Volunteer Committee Co-Chair Tom Seeley said. "This home was built through a monumental effort by our partners and scores of volunteers from Yorkton and surrounding area. Local high schools also got into the act, supplying several volunteers on a number of occasions. The family also contributed more than 700 sweat equity hours. Today, our whole community is celebrating this great achievement."

Since 2009, the province has dedicated $4.5 million in funding for Habitat for Humanity affiliates and chapters in Yorkton, Regina, Moose Jaw, Saskatoon, 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 30 starts throughout Saskatchewan in 2012.

Each selected Habitat partner family contributes a minimum 500 hours of sweat equity to build their home and other Habitat for Humanity homes, and participates in valuable homeownership training and preparation sessions. In return, their lives are transformed by the positive experience of working with the Habitat for Humanity community and by the many benefits that come along with homeownership.

-30-

For more information, contact:

Andrew Dinsmore
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-8689