PRINCE ALBERT - A family in Prince Albert received keys to their new Habitat for Humanity home made possible through $65,000 in investments by the Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan and many volunteer hours from community members.
The MLA for Prince Albert Northcote, Alana Ross, on behalf of Gene Makowsky Social Servies Minister and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation, joined representatives from Habitat for Humanity and the City of Prince Albert to officially present keys for the new home to the new homeowners.
The new, single-family home is a five-bedroom, 1,104-square-foot bungalow with a developed basement. Funding provided to this home includes:
-
$65,000 through the Government of Canada - Saskatchewan Bi-Lateral Agreement under the National Housing Strategy (NHS)
-
$15,000 from the City of Prince Albert
"The Government of Saskatchewan's partnership with Habitat for Humanity has supported hundreds of families achieve their dream of home ownership. Through hard work, determination and sweat equity, Habitat builds so much more than homes. It builds community and a brighter future for families across our province." - The Honourable Gene Makowsky, Minister of Social Services and Minister Responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation (SHC)
"Today is a special day for our community as we celebrate another family achieving their dream of home ownership through Habitat for Humanity. It's heartwarming to see how our city comes together, alongside government support, to make these homes a reality. This new house isn't just rooms and a roof; it's where memories will be made, and the future shaped. We're proud to play a part in making Prince Albert an even better place to call home," said Mayor Greg Dionne
"We are proud to present the keys to Sofia and Noor, celebrating their achievement as our newest Habitat homeowner's. Their hard work and dedication, including completing 500 volunteer hours, has led them to this remarkable milestone. Today's key ceremony is a testament to the impact of Habitat for Humanity's homeownership program in building stronger, more resilient, and connected communities." - Dave McEachern, CEO Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan
The National Housing Strategy (NHS) is a 10-year, $82 plus billion plan that will give more Canadians a place to call home. NHS is built on strong partnerships between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, and continuous engagement with municipalities, Indigenous governments and organizations, and the social and private housing sectors. It was created after consultations with Canadians from all walks of life, including those who have experienced housing need. All funding provided under the NHS is cost-shared 50/50 by the federal and provincial governments across a broad spectrum of programs.
Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan is a local nonprofit housing organization with a vision where everyone has a safe and decent place to live. Since 2009, Habitat for Humanity, with investment from the province, has completed or has under construction 210 home ownership units in 14 communities around Saskatchewan to find out more about Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan, Click here for more information on Habitat Saskatchewan.
In 2021, Habitat for Humanity affiliates in Prince Albert, Saskatoon and Regina merged to form Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan. Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan has 3 active volunteer run chapters in Yorkton, Estevan, and Melfort. With the help of volunteers, Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan provides families with safe, decent, and affordable housing in communities throughout the province.
Over its course as a non-profit organization, Habitat Saskatchewan has worked with volunteers and community partners to help over 200 families find permanent, affordable housing through home ownership that works with them.
Habitat for Humanity’s home ownership model empowers families to invest in home ownership. Through volunteer labour and tax-deductible donations of money and materials, Habitat for Humanity builds simple, decent houses with the help of future Habitat homeowners. Habitat homes are sold to families with a zero down payment, interest free mortgage set at 25% of the household’s gross annual income. Mortgage payments are reinvested into a revolving fund, called the Fund for Humanity, which is used to build more homes for more families in need of affordable home ownership.
There are three criteria an applicant must meet to qualify for a Habitat home:
In need of affordable housing – the applicant’s annual income must be between $45,000 and $76,500 and existing living conditions must be inadequate in terms of structure, cost, safety, or size. The ratio of shelter expense to total income is also a factor.
Able to repay a Habitat mortgage – the applicant must have a stable income sufficient to cover the monthly Habitat mortgage payments and additional expenses that come with home ownership.
Willingness to partner with Habitat – homeowners must demonstrate a willingness to partner with Habitat for Humanity by contributing 500 volunteer hours.
Families that partner with Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan benefit by generating significant equity in their homes while only having to spend 25 per cent of their income on their mortgage payments, as opposed to the 50-70 per cent that many pay prior to becoming a Habitat homeowner.
