Released on November 14, 2014
Frist Habitat for Humanity Home in Weyburn
A Habitat for Humanity partner family in Weyburn can look to the future after receiving keys to their very own home at a special presentation held today. The province, through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, contributed $65,000 to help support Habitat for Humanity’s efforts in providing affordable homeownership opportunities for Saskatchewan’s low- to moderate-income families. Additional support was provided by the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Foundation and the Prairie Sky Co-operatives Association (Weyburn Co-op).
“Not only are we celebrating the completion of Weyburn’s first Habitat for Humanity home, we are also celebrating the success of another Saskatchewan family in their efforts to achieve their dream of homeownership,” Estevan MLA Doreen Eagles said on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation Donna Harpauer. “Our government’s goal is to keep Saskatchewan strong, and housing that is secure, stable and affordable for everyone is a critical part of that vision. We are proud to support Habitat and its partners as we continue to work together to support the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth.”
“Just five months ago we stood before an empty lot that is now a home built with love and hard work,” Habitat for Humanity Regina CEO Kelly Holmes-Binns said. “The Weyburn community joined together to complete the first ever local Habitat home. This home will forever represent the tremendous support we receive from all our community partners, individuals and volunteers. This hard work and dedication allows us to continue helping families break the cycle of poverty through homeownership.”
Located at 412 Victoria Street in Weyburn, the house is a three-bedroom, single-family bungalow. The home is approximately 976 square feet or 91 square metrers on the main floor with a partially developed basement.
In the 2014-15 Budget, the province committed a further $750,000 delivered 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 total includes $600,000 from the Province’s Summit Action Fund.
This funding supports builds in 12 communities across the province including Duck Lake, Fort Qu’Appelle, Humboldt, Lloydminster, Melfort, Moose Jaw, Nipawin, Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon, Weyburn and Yorkton.
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.
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