Released on April 12, 2011
A women-led affordable housing project is underway in Regina to help a Habitat for Humanity partner family achieve their dream of homeownership. Women Build is a Habitat for Humanity program that promotes women's leadership and participation in the construction industry, and provides concrete, practical opportunities for women to learn and practice trade skills under the direction of skilled tradespersons.
The Women Build project, a first for the city, is the result of a partnership between the Government of Saskatchewan and Habitat for Humanity Regina. The province is providing $50,000 for the project to facilitate housing development, strengthen communities and encourage women's participation in the skilled trades and technologies.
"This investment reflects our commitment to encourage Saskatchewan women to explore, train and build careers in skilled trades, and to increasing the supply of housing for Saskatchewan families in need," Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for the Status of Women and the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude said.
"We are pleased to team up with Habitat for Humanity and women leaders in the community to support the Regina Women Build project," Government Services Minister Laura Ross said.
"This project is another installment in the long history of women's community work, of leadership by example, of mentorship and teaching other women, and most of all, of women's commitment to using their own skills and resources to build strong healthy neighborhoods and communities."
"The first ever Women Build is now officially underway in Regina, allowing another hard-working, low-income family to have the opportunity for homeownership," Habitat for Humanity Regina CEO Dennis Coutts said. "On behalf of all of the families that will receive keys to their new homes this year, and in the years to come, I thank the Ministers for their vision and leadership. The Government of Saskatchewan's commitment to providing resources, encouraging participation, and believing in the difference that all people can make in this regard, will provide families with a new start and most importantly, with hope."
Another important initiative of this government to improve and increase women's representation in skilled trades and technologies careers has drawn national interest. On May 6, 2011, more than 50 key employers from across the province will meet at a one-day Summit to develop strategies to increase the number of women apprentices and tradespersons recruited and trained by industry, and to improve retention rates for women working in these fields.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Linda Saliken
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0246