Habitat for Humanity Women Build Launched in Prince Albert

Released on June 5, 2014

Prince Albert Northcote MLA Victoria Jurgens, on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC) Donna Harpauer, officially launched the first Habitat for Humanity Women Build affordable housing project in Prince Albert today.  This will provide one more Saskatchewan family with the opportunity to realize 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 tradespeople.

The Women Build project is the result of a partnership between SHC and Habitat for Humanity Prince Albert.  The province is providing $65,000 to the project to facilitate housing development, strengthen communities and encourage women’s participation in the skilled trades and technologies.  Conexus Credit Union is also providing $50,000 for the Women Build project.

“Our government is proud to join hands with Habitat for Humanity in its mission to help Saskatchewan families put down roots knowing that their housing challenges are gone,” Jurgens said.  “The Women Build project is a wonderful opportunity for us to show just how successful men and women are when we team up to achieve a common goal.  This investment is truly a part of the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth and our desire to make this province the best place to live, work and raise a family.”

“We are very excited about partnering with women from the City of Prince Albert, Saskatchewan Housing Corporation and Conexus who have all committed to building a home for the Htoo family,” Habitat for Humanity Board Chairman Morris Sawchuk said.  “This is our first Women Build endeavour in this community and we are pleased to see it come to fruition.”

In the 2014-15 Budget, the province committed an additional $750,000 through the SHC to help build an additional 12 new Habitat for Humanity homes throughout Saskatchewan.  This brings the government’s commitment to Habitat for Humanity to a total of $7.85 million since March 2009.

This funding will soon support builds in 11 communities across the province including Regina, Prince Albert, Lloydminster, Saskatoon, Nipawin, Yorkton, Moose Jaw, Humboldt, Duck Lake, Fort Qu’Appelle and Weyburn.

SHC now provides $65,000 per home in funding.  This is up from the $50,000 per home which was provided up to March 2014. 

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.  To learn more about Habitat for Humanity and their work across Saskatchewan, visit www.habitat.ca.

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For more information, contact:

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