PROVINCE INVESTS $100,000 IN SASKATOON HABITAT FOR HUMANITY AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECT

Two Habitat for Humanity partner families will soon realize their dream of homeownership, thanks to an investment of $100,000 from the province through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC).

The duplex will be constructed by Mount Royal Collegiate students in the High School Carpentry Apprentice Program (HCAP), which is run in partnership with the Saskatoon Public School Division. The HCAP gives students the opportunity to bank hours toward a Journeyman's status in the carpentry trade. Upon completion, a Habitat for Humanity partner family will live in each unit.

"Our government strongly believes that Saskatchewan people deserve a home to call their own, where they can work hard, build dreams, raise their families and take advantage of the unlimited opportunities that this province offers," Saskatoon Sutherland MLA Joceline Schriemer said on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude. "On behalf of the province, I would like to thank Habitat for Humanity and students at Mount Royal Collegiate for putting affordable homeownership within reach for two more Saskatchewan families."

"Habitat Saskatoon is pleased to partner with the Government of Saskatchewan to provide homes for low-income working families in Saskatoon," Habitat for Humanity Saskatoon Executive Director Barb Cox-Lloyd said. "This build is particularly exciting as it is the fifth year that we have collaborated with Mount Royal Collegiate HCAP to build homes and provide a unique educational experience for Saskatoon High School students."

The funding is part of the $1 million investment announced by the province on April 1 to help Habitat for Humanity's Saskatchewan affiliates provide 20 homes for lower-income Saskatchewan families that have housing needs. This funding is on top of the $1 million announced by the province in March 2009.

Each selected Habitat partner family contributes 500 partnering hours to build their home and other Habitat for Humanity homes. This assists in the development of the Habitat for Humanity community and their neighbourhoods.

The project will begin in mid-September 2010, and is scheduled to be complete in February 2011.

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For more information, contact:

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