PROVINCE HELPS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY BUILD MOUNTIE HOUSE FOR A REGINA FAMILY

Released on December 10, 2012

A Habitat for Humanity partner family became homeowners at a key ceremony held in Regina today. The home, called Mountie House Two - The Second Story, is the result of a partnership among Habitat for Humanity Regina, Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Depot Division, Mosaic Company, Farm Credit Canada and the City of Regina. The project received $50,000 in funding from the province through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC).

"We are proud to work with Habitat for Humanity and its partners to create housing solutions for Saskatchewan people," Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude said. "Habitat's unique model allows people from all backgrounds to come together and make real, lasting change for families in need. Working together in this way allows us all to help create a promising future for them, and strengthen our communities and economy."

"Habitat for Humanity Regina is truly grateful to the province through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation and the funding that is provided to help us help families achieve homeownership," Habitat for Humanity Regina CEO Dennis Coutts said. "Homeownership provides families with a life-changing asset that helps to break the cycle of poverty for generations to come. We are also thankful for the partnership with the RCMP and Depot Division under the leadership of Roger Brown for Mountie House Two - the Second Story. Two families have benefitted from the generosity of the RCMP Depot Division and the cadets have worked hard on both homes to help families. Fundraising has already begun for a third Mountie House to be built sometime next year."

"Particularly at this time of year, we are very pleased to present the keys to another hard-working, low-income family with Habitat for Humanity Regina," Assistant Commissioner Roger L. Brown, Commanding Officer of RCMP "Depot" Division said. "We look forward to continuing our extraordinary partnership with Habitat for Humanity Regina as we work together to help families break the cycle of poverty through homeownership. The RCMP and Habitat believe in a simple formula of partnership, co-operation and shared responsibility, to help improve communities and impact peoples' lives by creating a happy, healthy and safe environment. I commend RCMP Depot Division employees and cadets for all of the hard work they put into building and securing funding for this home. It is our pleasure at RCMP Depot Division to contribute to our community and our province in this most tangible way."

Since March 2009, the Government of Saskatchewan has invested $4.5 million to assist Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan affiliates in providing a total of 90 homes for low- to moderate-income families across the province in the communities of Prince Albert, Lloydminster, Regina, Saskatoon, Yorkton, Moose Jaw, Nipawin and Humboldt.

With the cost of building new homes increasing significantly, Habitat is one of the few organizations whose distinct delivery model continues to provide viable homeownership opportunities for low- to moderate-income families. Each selected Habitat partner family contributes 500 hours of sweat equity to build their home and other Habitat for Humanity homes, and participates in valuable training and preparation sessions.

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For more information, contact:

Linda Saliken
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0246

Trish Bezborotko
Habitat for Humanity
Regina
Phone: 306-522-9700