PROVINCE AND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HELP A SASKATOON FAMILY ACHIEVE HOMEOWNERSHIP

A women-led affordable housing project has been completed in Saskatoon to help a Habitat for Humanity partner family achieve their dream of homeownership. The family was officially presented with keys to their new home in a special ceremony held today. The province, through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, provided $50,000 for the project to facilitate housing development, strengthen communities and encourage women's participation in the skilled trades and technologies.

"We are very proud to assist Habitat for Humanity in Saskatoon by providing $50,000 for this home," Saskatoon Fairview MLA Jennifer Campeau said on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude. "This home, and other Habitat builds, represents the hard work and dedication of many people coming together to help families grow and prosper. This is truly a part of the Saskatchewan Advantage, of living in a province where potential is realized, dreams are fulfilled and people can have a home to call their own."

"Habitat for Humanity Saskatoon is really excited about the dedication of this home and the others that will follow, thanks to the Government of Saskatchewan, our donors and volunteers," Habitat for Humanity Saskatoon Executive Director Barb Cox-Lloyd said. "Particular thanks go to Cameco for their ongoing commitment to the Women Build in Saskatoon. We believe that involving volunteers in building homes for low-income working families provides them with an opportunity to build a stronger community."

Since 2009, the province has dedicated $3.5 million in funding for Habitat for Humanity affiliates and chapters in Regina, Saskatoon, Yorkton, Moose Jaw, Prince Albert and Lloydminster to help build a total of 70 homes across the province. To date, the government has committed more than $2 million of the $3.5 million in grant funding available to Saskatchewan Habitat for Humanity affiliates to develop 46 homes.

The Women Build project is the result of a partnership between the Government of Saskatchewan and Habitat for Humanity Saskatoon.

Women Build is a Habitat for Humanity program that promotes women's leadership and participation in the construction industry, and provides concrete, practical opportunities for women to learn and practice trade skills under the direction of skilled tradespeople. With the cost of building new homes increasing, Habitat is one of the few organizations whose distinct delivery model continues to provide viable homeownership opportunities for low- to moderate-income families. Each selected Habitat partner family contributes 500 partnering hours to build their home and other Habitat for Humanity homes.

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For more information, contact:

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