Province Helps Two Habitat for Humanity Partner Families in Regina

Released on September 4, 2014

Two Habitat for Humanity (Habitat) partner families will soon achieve their dream of homeownership, thanks in part to a total of $130,000 in funding assistance from the province through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation.   Additional funding assistance will be provided by the City of Regina, as well as Mosaic Potash Corporation.

In partnership with Habitat, Grade 11 and 12 students enrolled in the Trades and Skills Construction Apprenticeship Program (TASCAP) will build the two homes, located at 1345 and 1409 Rae Street in Regina, to industry standards, gaining valuable experience in the home construction industry and meeting a need for safe, affordable housing in the community.  

“We are proud to work together with Habitat, the City of Regina, Mosaic and TASCAP to build two more homes for families in housing need,” Regina Dewdney MLA Gene Makowsky said on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation Donna Harpauer.  “Through strong partnerships and our Plan for Growth, we are making a positive impact in the community and, most importantly, in the lives of two hard-working Regina families who will be able to plan for the future, knowing that their housing challenges are behind them.”

“This year, more than 100 TASCAP students will make a significant contribution to Habitat for Humanity Regina,” Habitat for Humanity Regina CEO Kelly Holmes-Binns said.  “Nine months from now we will stand before two homes, which they will build from the ground up.  We are thankful for the support of Regina Trades and Skills and the TASCAP program, a great way for students to gain trades experience while giving back to the community.  This home has been funded by the provincial government, through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, Mosaic and the City of Regina.  These partnerships are providing hard-working, low-income Regina families with the opportunity to break the cycle of poverty.”

The first build, located at 1345 Rae Street, will consist of a one and a half storey home, approximately 976 square feet (90 square metres) in size on each of the main and lower levels, and 337 square feet (31 square metres) on the upper level.  The second home, located at 1409 Rae Street, will be a bi-level, approximately 976 square feet (90 square metres) in size on each of the main and lower levels.  It is expected that both homes will be completed in spring 2015.

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 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