Released on June 18, 2013
The homeownership dreams of another Habitat for Humanity (Habitat) partner family came true today at a key ceremony held at 1214 Robinson Street in Regina. The Government of Saskatchewan, through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, provided $50,000 in funding assistance to help make that dream a reality.
In partnership with Habitat, Grade 11 and 12 students enrolled in the Trades and Skills Construction Apprenticeship Program (TASCAP), built a 976 square foot bungalow home to industry standards, gaining valuable experience in the home construction industry and meeting a need for safe, affordable housing in the community. The home was sponsored by Miller Thompson LLP.
“This home marks a new beginning for another Habitat for Humanity partner family,” Regina Walsh Acres MLA Warren Steinley said on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude. “By working together, we are helping a Saskatchewan family secure their future by providing a safe, quality and affordable home. This is part of our desire, under the Saskatchewan Growth Plan, to manage our province’s growth in a way that benefits all citizens for years to come.”
“Our partnership with TASCAP is very valuable in a community with an acute housing shortage and trades demanding skilled workers,” Habitat for Humanity Regina CEO Dennis Coutts said. “As students learn new skills and gain trades experience, they are giving back to the community. Together Habitat for Humanity Regina and TASCAP have a direct impact on the future of our community, by expanding students' career options and building homes so hard-working, low-income Regina families can break the cycle of poverty through homeownership.”
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 development and purchase 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.
-30-
For more information, contact:
Linda Saliken
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0246