Released on June 10, 2014
Two Habitat for Humanity partner families are now official homeowners after a key ceremony held in Regina today. The province, through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, supported the families' achievement of homeownership by providing $100,000 to help build the two homes located at 670 and 672 Garnet Street.Students enrolled in the Trades and Skills Construction Apprenticeship Program (TASCAP) constructed the home to industry standards, gaining valuable experience in the home construction industry and meeting a need for safe, affordable housing in the community.
“Today’s dedication reminds us that working together helps to ensure that Saskatchewan families find comfortable and safe housing so they can focus on the future and become active members of the community,” Regina Dewdney MLA Gene Makowsky said on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation Donna Harpauer. “We are proud of the teamwork and community spirit shown by Habitat and the TASCAP students in making these homes a reality. This is part of what our Saskatchewan Plan for Growth is all about.”
“TASCAP students make a significant contribution to Habitat for Humanity Regina each year, with two homes completed by TASCAP students this year,” Habitat for Humanity Regina CEO Kelly Holmes-Binns said. “As students learn new skills and gain trades experience, they are giving back to the community. Together Habitat for Humanity Regina and TASCAP have a direct impact on the future of our community, by expanding student's career options and building homes so hard-working, low-income Regina families can break the cycle of poverty through homeownership.”
In the 2014-15 Budget, the province committed an additional $750,000 through the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation 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 12 communities across the province including Regina, Prince Albert, Lloydminster, Saskatoon, Nipawin, Yorkton, Moose Jaw, Humboldt, Duck Lake, Fort Qu’Appelle, Weyburn and Melfort.
Saskatchewan Housing Corporation now provides $65,000 per home in funding for homes starting construction. This is up from the $50,000 per home which was provided up to March 2014.
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, and participates in valuable training and preparation sessions.
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