Released on March 30, 2009
The Government of Saskatchewan is committing $10 million of new funding for affordable housing for seniors, low-income families and those most vulnerable within our province.
One million of the new funding will be awarded to Habitat for Humanity's provincial chapters and affiliates so that twenty lower-income Saskatchewan families will be able to own their own homes.
The new funding will be used to deliver a total of 20 quality, affordable home ownership units in Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Yorkton and Lloydminster.
"Our government is pleased to support Habitat's ongoing efforts to provide affordable homeownership opportunities for lower-income families across Saskatchewan," Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer said. "This significant new funding aligns with the Task Force on Affordable Housing's recommendation to enhance government's partnerships with community-based organizations that have expertise in the creation of affordable housing."
The participating Habitat Saskatchewan chapters and affiliates will collaborate in determining where each of the 20 units will be developed.
"We value our ongoing partnerships with the province and greatly appreciate the government's commitment to work with Habitat for Humanity and other community-based organizations to provide more affordable housing for Saskatchewan people," Habitat for Humanity executive director (Saskatoon) Bob Pringle said. "This significant new funding will help ensure that the dream of homeownership will become a reality for 20 lower-income Saskatchewan families."
In addition to the $1 million in capital funding, the province also committed a total of $180,000 to fund the Habitat Regina Youth Build Project - $60,000 annually for three years. The project will train young adults for careers in the construction trades.
"In partnership with the province, as well as the North Central Community Association, the Saskatchewan Indian Institute of Technology, and Ehrlo Community Services, we're hoping to recruit and train approximately 40 young adults over the next three years," Habitat for Humanity CEO (Regina) Dennis Coutts said. "The construction trades in Regina have a shortage of trained workers - and young adults, especially in Regina's inner city, need better access to good-paying jobs, so this project is definitely win-win. We greatly appreciate the Province's commitment to this worthy initiative."
Both initiatives will be funded through the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, an agency of Social Services. The $10 million is new provincial funding for affordable housing and is in addition to $29.3 million approved by the Legislature on March 17.
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For more information, contact:
Trish Alcorn
Social Services
Regina, Phone: 306-787-0916