Released on March 7, 2014
The Government of Saskatchewan and Habitat for Humanity Prince Albert are moving forward with plans for a women-led affordable housing project in Prince Albert, a first for the community. Prince Albert Northcote MLA Victoria Jurgens, on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude, and other community partners and volunteers today officially announced the Women Build initiative that will help one more Saskatchewan family realize their dream of home ownership.
The province, through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, is providing $50,000 toward the project, which is expected to start in May 2014. This investment is part of a larger provincial strategy to facilitate housing development, strengthen communities and encourage women’s participation in the trades.
“I am proud that Saskatchewan women are using their skills as tradespersons, leaders and mentors to build homes, new futures and stronger, caring communities,” Jurgens said. “We are privileged to work with Habitat for Humanity and its circle of partners to help a family begin a new future, starting with a safe, comfortable and affordable home. This is truly a part of the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth, which is working to help improve housing availability and affordability throughout this great province.”
“This is the first Women Build in Prince Albert,” Habitat for Humanity Prince Albert President Morris Sawchuk said. “It has taken three years to pull this project together. Fortunately, we have two committed women in our community, Barb Hogeweide and Val Watson from Deloitte, who will lead the women’s group which will enable us to place another family in a safe, affordable home.”
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.
Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization working toward a world where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. The organization mobilizes volunteers and partners to build homes that provide families of low-income with access to affordable home ownership. Each partner family selected by Habitat for Humanity will contribute 500 volunteer hours toward the building of their home or other Habitat homes.
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For more information, contact:
Linda Saliken
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0246