World Habitat Day Celebrated in Saskatchewan

Released on October 5, 2015

The first Monday in October has been declared by the United Nations General Assembly as World Habitat Day.  This day is celebrated world-wide to recognize the basic right of all humanity to adequate shelter, and to encourage grassroots action toward ending housing challenges.

In recognition of this special day, Habitat for Humanity Regina and the province participated in a flag-raising ceremony at City Hall to honour Habitat’s work world-wide while focusing on local successes.

“Our government is proud to join with Habitat for Humanity and its partners to reaffirm our commitment to a world where everyone has a decent place to live,” Regina Walsh Acres MLA Warren Steinley said on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation Donna Harpauer.  “We are proud to support Habitat’s work in Saskatchewan, building homes and brightening the futures of families in need of a safe, stable, affordable home.  World Habitat Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our successes in keeping Saskatchewan strong and moving forward in the years to come.”

“On World Habitat Day, we hope this global initiative will help raise more awareness of the need for affordable housing for low-income families,” Habitat for Humanity Regina CEO Kelly Holmes-Binns said.  “There are families in Regina forced to choose between decent shelter and other basic needs.  With the continued support of the community and our volunteers, we are providing more low-income families than ever with affordable homeownership opportunities.”

Since 2009, the province has committed $7.85 million in funding to Habitat for Humanity.  This funding supports 128 builds in 13 communities across the province in: Duck Lake, Fort Qu’Appelle, Humboldt, Lloydminster, Melfort, Moose Jaw, Nipawin, North Battleford, Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon, Weyburn and Yorkton.

Saskatchewan Housing Corporation now provides $65,000 per home in funding.  This is up from the $50,000 per home which was provided prior 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:

Leya Moore
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3610
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca