Dream of Homeownership to Come True for Multiple Saskatoon Families

Released on May 12, 2016

The Government of Saskatchewan is partnering with Habitat for Humanity Saskatoon (Habitat) to help a local family achieve their dream of homeownership.

The province, through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC), will provide $65,000 to make this dream a reality.  In addition, the City of Saskatoon has approximately $259,000 in grants and tax abatements invested in this project.  A ground-breaking ceremony for the 12-unit project was held today at 211 Slimmon Road.

“Owning a home is a life-changer,” Education Minister and Saskatoon Southeast MLA Don Morgan said on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation Donna Harpauer.  “It represents security, a sense of belonging and pride of ownership.  Our government is committed to keeping Saskatchewan strong by working with partners like Habitat to bring affordable housing within reach for Saskatchewan families in need, and making their dreams come true.”

“Every family deserves a safe, clean place to call home,” Saskatoon Mayor Donald Atchison said.  “The Habitat for Humanity model provides a unique opportunity for families to invest ‘sweat equity’ in their own home.  Partnerships build great communities and great communities build a great city.  This partnership will build homes and keep Saskatoon on the path to success and prosperity.”

“We are really excited to start construction of these 12 units,” Habitat for Humanity Saskatoon Chief Executive Officer Barb Cox-Lloyd said.  “None of this would be possible without the assistance of the Government of Saskatchewan and the contribution of our donors, sponsors and volunteers.  This is also the site of our 2016 Women Build, which will bring together dedicated women from Saskatoon and area to ensure that families have a safe, affordable home.”

The Slimmon Road project will consist of 12 townhouse style homes, each ranging in size from approximately 920 square feet (85 square metres) up to 1,480 square feet (137 square metres).  Larger homes will be assigned to larger families and will include a finished basement based on family need, composition and size.

Since March 2009, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested $7.85 million in Habitat Saskatchewan chapters for low- to moderate-income families across the province in 13 communities including the Battlefords, Duck Lake, Fort Qu’Appelle, Humboldt, Lloydminster, Melfort, Moose Jaw, Nipawin, Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon, Weyburn and Yorkton.

Habitat’s innovative delivery model provides opportunities for families to stabilize their housing and to achieve their homeownership goals.  Each partner family selected by Habitat contributes 500 partnering hours in building their home, or other Habitat homes.

The organization mobilizes volunteers and partners to build homes that provide families of low-income with access to affordable homeownership.  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