Released on June 10, 2015
Two Habitat for Humanity (Habitat) partner families received keys to their own home at a special dedication ceremony held today in Regina. The province, through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, provided $130,000 in funding assistance to help make the homes a reality. Additional funding assistance was provided by the City of Regina, as well as Mosaic Potash Corporation.Habitat and Trades and Skills Construction Apprenticeship Program (TASCAP) partnered to build the two homes located at 1345 and 1409 Rae Street. TASCAP engages and trains high school students in a variety of construction trade areas. Students gained real life experience while working on site daily during the construction of the homes. Qualified instructors led students through the entire build from the foundation up.
“Habitat for Humanity projects are wonderful examples of how people from a variety of backgrounds come together to make Saskatchewan communities stronger,” Regina Qu’Appelle Valley MLA Laura Ross said on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation Donna Harpauer. “Our government is proud to work with our partners and contribute to the spirit of neighbour-helping-neighbour that is evident in each Habitat build. It is this spirit that helps keep Saskatchewan strong as we strive to improve the lives of Saskatchewan people in greatest housing need.”
“TASCAP students make a significant contribution to Habitat for Humanity Regina each year,” Habitat for Humanity Regina CEO Kelly Holmes-Binns said. “With two homes completed this year, students learn new skills and gain trades experience while 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 students’ career options and building homes so hard-working, low-income Regina families can break the cycle of poverty through home ownership.”
The first home, located at 1409 Rae Street, is a four-bedroom bungalow that is approximately 976 square feet or 90 square metres on each of the main and lower levels.
The second home, located at 1345 Rae Street, is a six-bedroom, one-and-a-half storey home that is approximately 976 square feet or 90 square metres on the main and lower levels, and 337 square feet or 31 square metres on the upper level.
Since March 2009, the province’s overall commitment to Habitat totals $7.85 million and includes the January 2013 approval of $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.
The province now provides $65,000 per home in funding for homes starting construction. This is up from the $50,000 per home which was provided prior to March 2014.
Habitat’s innovative delivery model provides opportunities for families to stabilize their housing, and to achieve their home ownership goals. Each partner family selected by Habitat contributes 500 partnering hours in building their home, or other Habitat homes.
To learn more about Habitat for Humanity and their work across Saskatchewan, visit www.habitat.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Leya Moore
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3610
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca