Province Celebrates Saskatchewan Habitat Day

Released on May 2, 2014

Communities across the province gathered today to recognize and celebrate the work of Habitat for Humanity and their many partner families.  Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude proclaimed May 2 as Saskatchewan Habitat Day.

Families who have received Habitat homes joined Habitat representatives at barbecue events held in various communities across the province for a day of celebration.

“We’ve been happy to partner and support 97 Habitat home builds across the province since 2009,” Draude said.  “We do it because we know a home is that wonderful foundation for everything else.  When a family has a decent place to live, they can focus on making their lives, their children’s education and their family’s future more successful.

“It’s the foundation of our province’s Plan for Growth – to create a province that is welcoming and supportive.  Working with Habitat and their partners across the province, we are building a better, stronger Saskatchewan.”

“Declaration of Saskatchewan Habitat Day further demonstrates the commitment of our province to Habitat for Humanity,” Habitat for Humanity Regina CEO Kelly Holmes-Binns said.  “With strong support from Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, Habitat affiliates throughout the province are able to help an increasing number of hard-working families break the cycle of poverty by providing interest-free mortgages on safe, decent and affordable homes.

“It is an honour for Habitat for Humanity to be recognized on this day by the Government of Saskatchewan.”

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 has supported builds in 10 communities across the province including Regina, Prince Albert, Lloydminster, Saskatoon, Nipawin, Yorkton, Moose Jaw, Humboldt, Duck Lake and Fort Qu’Appelle.

Saskatchewan Housing Corporation 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:

Tara Gereaux
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3610
Email: tara.gereaux@gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-519-7835