GOVERNMENT OF SASKATCHEWAN AND HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HELP THREE FAMILIES ACHIEVE HOMEOWNERSHIP

A Habitat for Humanity partner family realized their dream of homeownership at a key ceremony held in Prince Albert today. The project received $50,000 in funding from Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC), and was undertaken by students from Carlton Comprehensive High School as the first student build in Prince Albert.

An additional $100,000 is being provided by SHC to help Habitat for Humanity construct a duplex for two more Habitat partner families, which is expected to be completed in July.

"Like Habitat for Humanity, our government is working hard to meet the housing needs of Saskatchewan citizens," Municipal Affairs Minister Darryl Hickie said on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude. "This investment 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."

"This is a great day for Habitat Prince Albert as we dedicate our first high school built home to a partner family," Habitat for Humanity President Morris Sawchuk said. "We look forward to a long-lasting partnership with Carlton Comprehensive High School carpentry class. We are also pleased to work with the province to turn sod for our first multiple unit home. As we ramp up our build capacity, multi-unit dwellings will be the norm."

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 $1.6 million of the $3.5 million in grant funding available to Saskatchewan Habitat for Humanity affiliates to develop 32 homes.

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 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 neighbourhood.

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For more information, contact:

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