Released on July 23, 2015
The Government of Saskatchewan is partnering with Habitat for Humanity (Habitat) to build homes for two North Battleford families, presenting the families with the opportunity to improve their quality of life through homeownership.A ground-breaking ceremony was held today at 1211 – 106th Street. The homes will receive $130,000 ($65,000 for each home) in funding support from the provincial government, through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation.
“Having a home is a basic need, and without a safe place to call our own, life can seem even more overwhelming,” Environment Minister and Battlefords MLA Herb Cox said, on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation Donna Harpauer. “Our government is committed to making life a bit easier for families by putting their housing challenges behind them. By supporting partners such as Habitat for Humanity, we can achieve a better, stronger Saskatchewan.”
“This partnership between Habitat Saskatoon and the Habitat Battlefords Chapter provides an opportunity for two families in North Battleford to access safe, decent, affordable homes,” Saskatoon CEO Habitat for Humanity Barb Cox Loyd said. “We are very proud to be involved with this dedicated group of volunteers. Our partners at the Government of Saskatchewan, Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, are instrumental in helping Habitat for Humanity build in all areas of the province.”
The Habitat project will be a duplex, with each home containing four bedrooms and a developed basement. Each home will be 980 square feet or 91 square metres on the main floor.
Since March 2009, the province’s overall commitment to Habitat totals $7.85 million including the January 2013 approval of $0.60 million from the Province’s Summit Action Fund. This funding supports builds in 13 communities across the province including Duck Lake, Fort Qu’Appelle, Humboldt, Lloydminster, Melfort, Moose Jaw, Nipawin, Prince Albert, Regina, Saskatoon, Weyburn, Yorkton, and soon North Battleford.
In March 2014, the Government of Saskatchewan agreed with Habitat’s request for all new and any remaining funds to be made available to Habitat at $65,000 per unit compared to earlier funding of $50,000 per unit. 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. To learn more about Habitat for Humanity and their work across Saskatchewan, visit www.habitat.ca.-30-
For more information, contact:
Leya Moore
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3610
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca