Released on June 4, 2013
Another Habitat for Humanity Regina partner family has a place to call home, thanks to $50,000 in funding assistance from the Government of Saskatchewan through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation. Regina Qu’Appelle MLA Laura Ross on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude and other partners attended a key presentation today to celebrate the completion of the home located at 1409 Retallack Street.
Grade 11 and 12 students enrolled in the Trades and Skills Construction Apprenticeship Program (TASCAP) constructed the home to industry standards, gaining valuable experience in the home construction industry and meeting a need for safe, affordable housing in the community.
“This initiative not only provides a Regina family with a new home and an improved quality of life, but it also provides TASCAP students with a hands-on opportunity to learn how to build a house from start to finish,” Ross said. “Our government appreciates the teamwork and community spirit that has been shown by everyone involved in this build. It is a wonderful example of our Saskatchewan Plan for Growth in action in Regina and other communities across the province.”
“TASCAP students make a significant contribution to Habitat for Humanity Regina each year,” Habitat for Humanity CEO Dennis Coutts said. “This is the first of two homes to be completed by TASCAP students this year. We are thankful for the support of Regina Trades and Skills and the TASCAP program, which is a great way for students to gain trades experience while giving back to the community. This home has been completed with funding from our legacy supporters, Farm Credit Canada, the Provincial Government through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, Mosaic and Conexus. These partnerships are helping hard-working, low-income Regina families break the cycle of poverty.”
In the 2013-14 Budget, the province committed an additional $2 million to help build 40 new Habitat for Humanity homes throughout Saskatchewan. This represents the largest budget increase in funding to Habitat for Humanity in Canada, and brings the government’s commitment to Habitat for Humanity to a total of $6.5 million since March 2009.
On top of this funding, in January 2013 the province approved an additional $600,000 to Habitat for Humanity through the Summit Action Fund. This funding will create sustainable revolving land trusts in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert to assist in the purchase and development of land for 39 to 49 units.
Each selected Habitat partner family contributes 500 partnering hours to build their home and other Habitat for Humanity homes. This assists in the development of the Habitat for Humanity community and their neighbourhood.
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For more information, contact:
Linda Saliken
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0246