A Habitat for Humanity (Habitat) partner family in Weyburn will soon realize the dream of owning their very own home, thanks to $65,000 in funding assistance from the province through Saskatchewan Housing Corporation.
Construction of the home was officially launched June 4 at a sod turning ceremony in Weyburn. The Habitat project, a first for Weyburn, will be located at 412 Victoria Street and consist of a 1013 square foot bi-level with three bedrooms on the main floor and an undeveloped basement. Additional support was provided by the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) Foundation who provided $15,000 in funding for this build and the Weyburn Co-op who contributed building materials.
"Today is a historic day for the community of Weyburn," Health Minister and Weyburn-Big Muddy MLA Dustin Duncan said on behalf of Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude. "Not only are we celebrating the beginning of the first Habitat for Humanity home in Weyburn, but most importantly, we are helping another Saskatchewan family look to the future with potential and promise. We are proud to support Habitat and its partners as we continue with the Saskatchewan Plan for Growth."
"We are excited that the city of Weyburn and its citizens have welcomed Habitat for Humanity with open arms," Habitat for Humanity Regina CEO Kelly Holmes-Binns said. "Our chapter committee, lead by Winston Bailey, understands the importance of community in Weyburn and they are doing an outstanding job laying the foundation for this build. We are excited to begin the first ever Habitat build in Weyburn and we are looking forward to giving the family a hand up into homeownership."
"We are ready to go," said Bailey, of Weyburn Habitat for Humanity. "Our anticipated goal is to have the family in their home prior to Christmas."
Habitat for Humanity homes are not free. Recipients put in a lot of sweat equity, at least 500 hours of work to help build the home, and pay the mortgage for the home once they are living in it.
Donations and volunteers are still appreciated. Contact Jeanette Tonn at 306-861-9029 to volunteer or Ron Evans at 306-861-9007 to donate. For general information contact the Habitat for Humanity office at 306-842-2216.
