Released on January 27, 2015
Two families in Saskatoon have now achieved their dream of homeownership, thanks to a partnership between the Government of Saskatchewan and Habitat for Humanity.The province, through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, provided $100,000 to help build the two homes. Additional funding was provided by Mosaic Potash Corporation (up to $25,000), the City of Saskatoon (approximately $31,000 from its Innovative Housing Incentive Program and the Vacant Lot and Adaptive Reuse Strategy), along with the Midtown Plaza and the Rotary Club of Saskatoon.
Saskatoon Eastview MLA Corey Tochor attended a key presentation today on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation Donna Harpauer.
“Our government remains focused on keeping Saskatchewan strong,” Tochor said. “Investing in Habitat for Humanity initiatives makes a real difference in the day-to-day lives of Saskatchewan people and continues to build stronger communities for future generations. We are proud that two more families will be able to enjoy the benefits of living in a safe, quality home that meets their needs.”
“Habitat for Humanity Saskatoon is thrilled to present the keys to this duplex to two families,” Habitat for Humanity Saskatoon CEO Barb Cox-Lloyd said. “We thank the Government of Saskatchewan, and our donors. With their help and that of our many volunteers, we are able to provide a safe and affordable place for families to live and to provide a home for their children. Our purpose at Habitat for Humanity is to strengthen communities by providing homes for low-income, working families. We encourage all members of the community to become involved in the building of these homes.”
The duplex, located on Avenue J, is approximately 941 square feet or 87 square metres across the main floor. Each home has four bedrooms and a developed basement.
Since March 2009, the province’s overall commitment to Habitat for Humanity totals $7.85 million. 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. This is up from the $50,000 per home which was provided up to March 2014.
Each selected Habitat partner family contributes 500 partnering hours to build their home or other Habitat for Humanity homes. This assists in the development of the Habitat for Humanity community and the neighbourhood.
To learn more about Habitat for Humanity and their work across Saskatchewan, visit www.habitat.ca.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Linda Saliken
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0246
Email: linda.saliken@gov.sk.ca