PROVINCE AND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HELP A MOOSE JAW FAMILY ACHIEVE HOMEOWNERSHIP

Moose Jaw's first Habitat for Humanity Home is complete, thanks to $50,000 in funding assistance from the province through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation. A Habitat for Humanity partner family were officially presented with the key to their new home in a special ceremony held today.

"This is truly a wonderful day for Moose Jaw and, most importantly, for a family who has realized their dream of homeownership," Moose Jaw North MLA Warren Michelson said on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude. "We are pleased to work with Habitat for Humanity to make homeownership a reality for one more Habitat partner family, and to help build neighbourhoods and communities across Saskatchewan. Housing is one of our government's top priorities, and we are working hard to help more people in need."

"We are very excited about having a key presentation for Moose Jaw's first Habitat for Humanity home," Moose Jaw Habitat for Humanity Chairman Brian Martynook said. "This was an incredible experience for the volunteers, donors and the family, who are now able to build equity and security for their future. With the great support of the province and the community, this home will be the first of many for Moose Jaw."

Since 2009, the province has dedicated $3.5 million in funding for Habitat for Humanity affiliates and chapters in Moose Jaw, Regina, Saskatoon, Yorkton, Prince Albert and Lloydminster to help build a total of 70 homes across the province. To date, funding has provided 15 families with the opportunity to move into Habitat for Humanity homes. An additional 17 homes are currently under construction.

With the cost of building new homes increasing significantly, 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 hours of sweat equity to build their home and other Habitat for Humanity homes, and participates in valuable 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.

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For more information, contact:

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