PROVINCE PROVIDES LAND FOR SASKATOON HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Eight families are one step closer to living in new homes of their own thanks to the provincial government.

Premier Lorne Calvert today announced the province is investing $144,000 through the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation to purchase eight lots in Saskatoon for Habitat for Humanity.

"Our government has long been committed to helping families build independence and improve their quality of life," Calvert said. "Today's announcement reflects that commitment."

Today, the province is providing funding for eight of 16 new lots for homes being built on 18th Street West. Previous commitments from the province have enabled Habitat for Humanity to build 18 homes, nine of which the government assisted in the land purchase.

Habitat for Humanity is an international non-profit agency that helps low-income families obtain adequate affordable housing. The Saskatoon chapter was established in 1991 to help provide homes in the Saskatoon area.

"The Province is pleased to have assisted Habitat for Humanity over the years by donating lots for the construction of new homes for modest-income working families," Community Resources and Employment Minister Glenn Hagel said. "These families will experience the pride of home ownership."

Habitat for Humanity receives assistance from the private sector and the community and also from its Habitat Re-Store, which sells recovered and surplus building materials and trains people to increase their skills and improve their opportunities in the labour market.

"Saskatoon Habitat for Humanity is very grateful to the Province of Saskatchewan and the City of Saskatoon for their efforts and support," chairperson of Saskatoon Habitat for Humanity Jayne Horachek said. "We have families waiting for homes and this land will allow us to proceed with confidence into the future, fulfilling our mandate of partnering with low income working families to build quality affordable homes."

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For More Information, Contact:

Herman Hulshof Community Resources and Employment Regina Phone: (306)787-0916 Email: hhulshof.gov.sk.ca