PROVINCE PARTNERS WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY TO HELP A REGINA FAMILY ACHIEVE HOMEOWNERSHIP

The Government of Saskatchewan, Habitat for Humanity and other community partners and volunteers presented a Regina family in housing need with keys to their own home at a ceremony held today. The province, through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, provided $50,000 in financial assistance toward the construction of the two-storey, single family home.

"This is a life-changing experience not only for the new homeowners, but also for everyone involved with the project," Regina Douglas Park MLA Russ Marchuk said on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude. "This build, and other Habitat builds, is about bringing people together to help families achieve their dreams of living in a safe, quality home. This also aligns with our government's vision of continuing to make Saskatchewan the best place in Canada to live, work, start a business, get an education, raise a family and build a life."

"Studies have shown the benefits to homeownership are so much more than just simply owning a house," Habitat for Humanity CEO Dennis Coutts said. "Families that escape the cycle of living in sub-standard housing, paying high rents, and become Habitat homeowners often are able to save for their children's educations and establish long term security with an asset - their home. We are grateful for the support of the Government of Saskatchewan, through Saskatchewan Housing and other major sponsors who help hard-working, low income families achieve homeownership."

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 and Lloydminster to help build a total of 90 homes across the province. As of March 2012, SHC has advanced $2.35 million of the $4.5 million available to Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the province to assist in the delivery of 47 homes for families.

Established in 1993, Habitat for Humanity Regina 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 500 hours of volunteer labour or sweat equity toward the building of their home. Families who partner with Habitat for Humanity benefit by generating significant equity in their homes while only having to spend a maximum of 30 per cent of their income on their mortgage payments, as opposed to the 50 to 75 per cent that many were paying prior to becoming a Habitat partner family.

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For more information, contact:

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