Owing My Own House is Like a Dream!

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Sediqah homeownership

Watch our new family video!

Watch here:

Sediqah’s Story – Part 1

Another Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan family told us how they feel about their homeownership journey. If the tears in their eyes don’t get you, we don’t know what will!

Sediqah says it is like a dream that she has a house, her kids have grown into good men and they have a good future now with peace.
Homeownership has made her so happy and it has been a blessing for her family. She prays for single mothers like her to have a place to live like she does and food to feed their families. She says that Habitat has been a big help and she is forever grateful!

Thank you to all of the donors, sponsors, community partners, and volunteers who have made Sediqah’s homeownership dream possible.  Without the generous support of people in our communities across Saskatchewan, helping a family like Sediqah’s could not happen.

 

Be a Hero Today!

If you want to be a hero in a family’s life, like Sediqah’s, please donate to Habitat Saskatchewan today! Any donation helps our purpose by empowering Saskatchewan families through safe, decent and affordable homeownership.

 

Donate Today!

What Tanya Taught Us

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Who is Tanya?

Tanya and her girls are at their old rental place.

Tanya is a Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan family that signed her mortgage with us in August of 2022. That’s right! Tanya is a homeowner! She lives in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, and was renting a home that was not a safe place to raise her two daughters, Brooklynn and Chelsea.

As a single mother raising her two daughters while working full time, you can imagine the stress that creates. Not only does it create stress, but it can be traumatic and unsettling. With that said Tanya found the courage to apply to our program giving Habitat Saskatchewan all financial documentation so we could decide to partner with her.

She managed to work on building her new home and helping with fundraisers with our committee to get her 500 mandatory volunteer hours completed. What an accomplishment!

Why is Homeownership so Important to Single Mothers?

Homeownership for many low-income single mothers is only a dream! We witness this repeatedly when we meet with the single mothers that apply to our homeownership program. Our waitlist is very long, and many single mothers are fighting for the chance they deserve so they can give their children a safe and stable place to call home.

All we want as a parent is to provide for our children and hope they are more successful in their lives than ours. Homeownership allows our low-income families to build equity and create self-reliance and independence. Our program provides low-income families with a hand-up in their life journey, which makes happier children who have a better chance of success in their future.

We have many success stories, and I know Tanya is one of them!

Tanya Wanted to Share Her Story

Cutting the ribbon at Tanya’s key ceremony.

“I would like to thank Habitat for giving Brooklynn Chelsea and myself a chance to purchase a house to call our own. For years the girls and I had lived in fear of not knowing what would happen. In 2009 I became a single mother and feared for the girl’s safety. The girls and I lived behind locked doors for the next five years. The girls are growing up too fast, and I want them to be able to enjoy their childhood as much as they can. I applied to become a Habitat partner family when they started helping families in Moose Jaw. I realized it was not my time at that moment. Habitat had let me know what was needed to succeed in the future to be accepted. I continued to move forward and not give up, and I worked on what was suggested. I knew my girls deserved a better, safer place to call home. They need to be kids and not have to worry.

My family and friends encouraged me to apply a second time. I’m unsure where I would be right now if it weren’t for them. We screamed with delight when we got the call saying we had been chosen to become a Habitat partner family. Our dream had come true. When we found out where the house would be in Moose Jaw, I sighed in relief. I grew up in the neighborhood where the house would be built. My parents are two blocks away, and my great-grandma is a block away. I have always been close with my parents and sister, and now that I will be back in the neighborhood, my girls can have that same feeling I had growing up, feeling safe and being close to family. Thank you, Habitat Saskatchewan, for everything you do for families. You made this family’s dream come true.” – Tanya

What Tanya Taught Us

Tanya taught us that no matter if you are a single mother or a person with a low income, homeownership is possible.  You can turn your dreams into a reality.  Having the support and encouragement of others is a blessing. If you fight hard enough and are dedicated, becoming a Habitat homeowner will change your life!

Be a Hero to a Single Mother in Need

With so many people waiting on our waitlist for the opportunity at homeownership and the inflated costs to build homes, Habitat Saskatchewan and our low-income families need your help more than ever. You can help give these families everything they need to feel safe and stable for the rest of their lives. You would be giving a child a home base so they can succeed in their future.

Tanya’s new Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan built home.

With your gift, you can be a hero to these families today, giving them the comfort of affordable homes to live that they need right now and the assurance of knowing they have a safe place to call home.

Donate Today!

Dessie – A Habitat Saskatchewan Family Story

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Dessie originally came from Ethiopia and spent some time in a refugee camp in Uganda until he was accepted by the government of Uganda and given a refugee mandate. After 16 years of suffering through refugee life, in 2007, he was sponsored by Knox Metropolitan United Church. He came to Regina with his 5-year-old son. Shortly after being in Regina and taking English classes, he started working with the Saskatchewan Health Authority as a continuing care aid. To become certified, he could work there while taking the continuing care aid course through SIAST.

Dessie told his story at the Habitat Saskatchewan Doors and More event in 2019.

In 2011 he became a Canadian Citizen. In 2013 he applied for the Nursing Program at SAIST and was accepted. He knew that accomplishing this would be challenging as a single father. Still, he worked very hard, knowing it would help give his son and himself a better life in Canada. His dream was to graduate as a nurse, get a good job, buy a house, and proceed to plan for their future.

The Next Chapter

When he started his second year of nursing study, tragic and shocking news came from back home in Ethiopia. His elder sister and her husband died in a car accident, leaving their four children without a guardian. The children were also travelling with their parents, but they survived, except one had a terrible back injury. These children don’t have other aunties or uncles who can care for them except for Dessie. From that point, he decided to discontinue his studies to work full-time and help his sister’s children. He took the responsibility of caring for them by sending them money through the temporarily assigned legal guardian. The following steps would be to figure out how to get them to Canada and apply to be their legal guardian soon.

Dessie applied to Immigration Canada to sponsor his four orphan nieces and nephews to come to Canada and live with him. His application was accepted for all children, which was a significant accomplishment. Two children could come to Regina before the other two, making the transition hard but manageable. The other two children had to stay behind in Ethiopia together due to the back injury of the youngest child. During his immigration process, the youngest boy’s medical result showed that his back injury had nerve and muscle complications. His mobility will be affected while he grows up unless he gets proper medical attention. When he gets older, he may have difficulty walking up and downstairs. Dessie was told he would require a wheelchair-accessible home before the other two children could join them in Canada. Dessie was sad and upset as he was unsure how to get an accessible home due to the lack of options and financial situation. Ultimately, he could not save for a house downpayment with the many loans and students he had taken on for his schooling.

Dessie decided to go back to his nursing school studies in the meantime while he tried to figure out his housing situation, specifically affordable housing in Regina. The three-bedroom apartment he lived in with the three children in downtown Regina was old and poorly maintained—cracks in the walls, heating and window issues, and infested with mice and cockroaches. The building they lived in was also unsafe. The security system at the entrance door would not work, so anyone could open and enter the building. They found numerous homeless people inside, sometimes with knives and potential weapons, sleeping in the front door and hallways. Dessie and the children were extremely scared, and this living situation was not ideal with the children involved.

Applying for the Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan Homeownership Program

After thinking hard about his situation, Dessie applied to the Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan homeownership program. After going through the application process and supplying Habitat with all of the required financial documentation, and then having a home visit, he was accepted into the program. Habitat was able to build Dessie and his family a four-bedroom home with a full basement that was wheelchair accessible.

Dessie and some of his children with Tara Goulet, the Director of Family Services for Habitat Saskatchewan enjoying a nice visit together.

Once Dessie was able to confirm with Immigration Canada that he had a stable and accessible home, he was able to apply to have the other two children join their family in Regina. As of 2021, all the children are together in Regina, safe and sound. All his children are happy and confident to invite their friends to come and play and hang out in their new home. They are so excited to be together in the same house and now have a sense of stability. Dessie is happy to be a homeowner while paying down a mortgage to help him build equity for his children’s future, which he never thought would be achievable. “After all these children have been through, providing them with stability and a safe neighbourhood is a dream come true” – Dessie.

Dessie’s life has also changed throughout his homeownership journey, especially now that he has more joy and confidence. Dessie is no longer a single dad and has an addition to his family, a beautiful baby girl! Congratulations are in order! “Homeownership with Habitat has given me blessings” – Dessie.

Watch a clip we took of Dessie as he tells us how he feels about being a homeowner:

 

Be a Hero Today!

Thank you to the many donors, volunteers, and partners who helped Dessie and his family achieve their homeownership dream and the safety they deserved.

If you want to be a hero in a family’s life, like Dessie, please donate to Habitat Saskatchewan today!

Any donation helps our purpose by empowering Saskatchewan families through safe, decent and affordable homeownership.

Click Here to Donate

Why Donate to a Charity?

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Why Donate to a Charity? 

Donating to charity will do more than help your favourite cause; giving can also provide you with many personal benefits. Whether you donate to our charity or another charity of your choice, charities need help to continue their selfless initiatives.

Here is why we believe people in our communities donate to their charity of choice:

FINANCIAL BENEFITS TO DONATING

Donating to charity can save you money come tax time! When you donate to a registered charity in Canada, you receive a tax receipt. You can submit it with your annual tax return to receive a tax credit of up to 53 percent of your donation. A significant contribution could mean big tax savings, which is a fantastic reason why giving back!

IT STARTS WITH THE KIDS

Teaching children to care about others is essential! Showing kids that you can be a hero to someone else in need is invaluable! Children who watch you donate your money or time will grow up knowing that giving back is the right thing to do and might follow in your footsteps.

GIVING = HAPPINESS 

Giving connects us to others, creates stronger communities and helps to build a happier society for everyone. Helping others not only makes us happier and healthier, but it is also good for the recipient. Donating to an important charity helps them continue their vital work and improve your emotional well-being. You don’t have to give money. You can give your time, ideas, and energy. I bet you can see now how this is a win-win situation!

BENEFITS OF DONATING YOUR TIME

If you cannot contribute financially to a charity but are looking for other ways to give back, consider volunteering your time instead. You can meet new people, learn new skills to add to your resume or complete necessary community hours. You can also get involved in the community that supports your favourite cause. For example, if you attend a fundraising event for your favourite charity, you’ll meet new, like-minded people who care about the same cause.

You could also donate your time to a Habitat for Humanity ReStore!

SHOWING GRATITUDE

When you choose to support a charity, you are showing gratitude. You can also inspire others to give by posting your kind action on social media to inspire others to give generously.

WAYS TO GIVE TO HABITAT SASKATCHEWAN

There are so many ways to give to a charity, but first, you want to get familiar with each one to choose what is right for you.

The ways that you can donate to Habitat Saskatchewan are as follows:

  1. Monthly Giving –You can significantly impact our community while making less impact on your wallet. Your convenient and automatic monthly donation helps us plan long-term, budget more efficiently and create more life-changing outcomes. Monthly donations can be any amount that is affordable and meaningful to you and can be changed at any time. For some people, that is $5 a month and for others, $200 a month.
  2.  Legacy Giving –A legacy gift in your will is a simple way to help more families in need of safe and decent housing. You can leave cash or real estate securities. Leaving a legacy gift is the most efficient way to significantly contribute to a charity and ease the burden of your future estate. Legacy gifts can be given in two ways. First, you can leave a lump-sum cash amount to an organization of your choice. These gifts are given separately when you pass away and are not included in your residual estate (everything that’s left after debts/taxes are paid and specific gifts are distributed). Instead of or in addition to leaving a set amount, you may leave a percentage of your residual (remaining) estate to a charity. With planned giving in Canada, the organization will receive the cash value of the distribution you gave them from your overall estate. While a charitable cash gift will remain constant over time, a percentage of your residual estate can grow over time, resulting in a higher potential donation to the charity of your choice.
  3.  Gift of Securities through Canada Helps –By donating publicly traded securities, you eliminate the capital gains tax you would have to pay if you sold the securities and then donated the proceeds. You will also receive a charitable tax receipt for your donation. You can give now or as part of your Estate and Will planning. Donations of securities can now be made through Canada Helps. It is an easy and tax-advantageous way to help Habitat Saskatchewan serve more families. To transfer securities to us, simply visit Canada Helps online at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/habitatsask/.
  4. Donate your car – Donate a Car Canada accepts vehicle donations for Habitat Saskatchewan. Free towing is provided in most areas across Canada, or you can drop off your vehicle to maximize your donation. When you donate your car, truck, RV, boat, or motorcycle to us through Donate A Car Canada, it will either be recycled or sold at auction (depending on its condition, age, and location). Donate a Car Canada will look after all the details to make it easy for Habitat Saskatchewan to benefit. After your vehicle donation is complete, our charity will send you a tax receipt and will put your gift to good use. Visit Car Canada’s website https://donatecar.ca/.
  5. Donate to a ReStore – By donating to one of our three ReStores (Regina, Saskatoon or Prince Albert), you are helping up achieve our purpose. We can then help more families in need of low-income housing opportunities. When you donate to a ReStore, the proceeds go to building homes for more families in need. You can visit the ReStore Donations section of our website to find out more at https://habitatsaskatchewan.ca/restore/donate/.

When you choose to donate to Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan, you are donating to a local charity which provides families with a safe home, renewed self-confidence and a sense of hope. You are not just providing bricks and mortar to help us build a house for a family in need. You are giving families a hand up to live a better, safer, more successful life.

We rely on gifts from individuals like you, corporations, and other groups to help families needing decent and affordable homes throughout Saskatchewan. Your donation will become part of our revolving building fund, so your donation will continue to give.

Donations of any amount are deeply appreciated!  You can donate to us by going to our website here: https://habitatsaskatchewan.ca/donate/

Thank you for choosing Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan as your charity of choice!

#beahero #donatetoday #helpingfamilies #community #support #donate #Habitatsask

Meaning of Home Contest

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As seen on Habitat Canada’s news story https://habitat.ca/en/news:

Since 2007, students in Grades 4, 5, and 6 have shared what home means to them in a national writing contest that is now open and accepting entries. Submissions are being accepted by mail or online at meaningofhome.ca from today until February 24, 2023.

Housing continues to be an important concern for all Canadians, including children, who understand how housing can provide their family with a safe place – a place to study, pursue their dreams and build a better life. Every student who enters the contest will help local Habitat for Humanity organizations across Canada build safe and affordable homes. Every student entry earns a $10 donation towards their local Habitat for Humanity. Three grand prize winners will each receive a $30,000 grant to help a local Habitat for Humanity build a place to call home for a family in need of affordable housing. In addition, nine runners up will receive a $10,000 grant for their local Habitat for Humanity. Winners will be announced by June.

Founded by SagenTM, the Meaning of Home contest has raised over $2 million to help local Habitats across Canada build decent and affordable housing. Last year over 13,000 entries were received, the largest number of submissions Habitat Canada has ever received for this contest, and raised over $311,000.

The Meaning of Home contest would not be possible without the generous support of Founding Sponsor SagenTM and Awards Sponsors Urban Systems Foundation, Face to Face Games, and Home Trust.

Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan is Seeking Board Members

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Join our Board!

Be part of a dynamic volunteer group of highly talented, dedicated, and accomplished individuals from a variety of relevant sectors, who are committed to helping Habitat Saskatchewan accomplish its mission.

Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan is currently seeking interested individuals to join our volunteer Board of Directors. Habitat Saskatchewan provides opportunities for working low-income families to access safe, decent, and affordable housing through homeownership as a means of breaking the cycle of poverty in Saskatchewan. The Board of Directors helps to set the direction and attract resources to enable Habitat Saskatchewan to broaden its impact.

Are you interested in becoming a member?

We are currently looking for up to three new Directors to join our provincial board. The ideal candidates we are looking for are, as follows:

  • Current non-profit board experience
  • Well-established in the community and a “connector” able to open doors in the business community
  • Respected in your field
  • Skills sets required: Finance, legal, banking, and business

We value Diversity and Inclusion!

Habitat Saskatchewan values diversity and inclusion and is a key to our success which is reflected in our largely diverse community of Habitat families.  We believe that diversity and inclusion is our responsibility, and we are open to creating a more diverse volunteer board. Diversity to Habitat Saskatchewan not only includes race and gender identity, but also age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, religion, and many other parts of one’s identity. All our employees’ and board members’ points of view are key to our success, and inclusion is everyone’s responsibility.

If you are interested in gaining more information about the volunteer opportunity or to apply, please contact board@habitatsask.ca.

 

New Survey Findings Reveal Attitudes on Homeownership and the Housing Affordability Crisis

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Habitat for Humanity Canada has released the results of a new national survey revealing Canadians’ attitudes towards the affordable housing crisis in Canada and sheds light on the growing barriers to housing and homeownership. The Habitat for Humanity Canada Affordable Housing Survey, which measured the perceptions of Canadian homeowners and renters, also sheds light on the growing concerns and barriers to homeownership including lack of housing supply, increased cost of living, discrimination, NIMBY (Not in My Backyard) sentiment and more.

Habitat Canada’s Affordable Housing Survey finds housing affordability is a top concern for Canadians – the third most important issue facing the country today behind inflation and healthcare.

“This survey underscores how deeply concerned Canadians are about their housing situations and futures as affordable housing becomes increasingly out of reach,” says Julia Deans, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Canada. “To address these growing concerns and make affordable housing and homeownership a reality for all Canadians, we need an all-in approach from non-profits, corporate partners, individuals and all levels of government.” Click here to read the media release.

“In our work, we see firsthand how access to stable housing transforms futures and fosters resiliency across generations,” says Deans. “We must act now, and we must act together towards addressing the systemic barriers and creating sustainable solutions to achieve affordable housing for all.”

Click here to read more about Habitat Canada’s housing solutions.

About the survey

Habitat for Humanity Canada commissioned Leger’s online panel to survey 1501 Canadians between September 7th and September 17th, 2022. A probability sample of 1501 respondents would have a margin of error of ±2.5%, 19 times out of 2.

A Habitat Family Story

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Ta and Sah Blu tell us how they feel about becoming a Habitat partner family.  Please watch the video to get a tidbit about their story https://youtu.be/B2dpevbxh8s.

The details below give us a better understanding of what they went through in their life, which is very compelling.  Partnering with this family and giving them the opportunity at homeownership was a no-brainer for Habitat Saskatchewan.

This is what Ta and Sah Blu wanted to share about their story:

“Forced to leave behind everything we knew, we escaped from the civil war in Myanmar. Displaced from our homes, we dreamed of growing roots again. Like you, we wanted the opportunity to build a normal life – have a job, own a home, and start a family.

After 14 long years in the refugee camp, one of our applications to immigrate to Canada was accepted and the other to the USA.  We were thrilled to be finally leaving the refugee camp, but now we were going to be separated from each other.

We never gave up on each other or the plans we had made. Our commitment to our dream kept us strong and we were reunited five years later.  We were so relieved to be together again, even if it meant sharing a small home with our parents and many siblings. There wasn’t much space for 10 people in the modest house, and soon there would be even less space as we were expecting our first child, Michelle.

When Michelle turned two years old, our second daughter, Milda, was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Spina bifida is a birth defect where the spine and spinal cord don’t form properly. Most children with spina bifida have some weakness or paralysis in their legs. Hydrocephalus is a buildup of fluid around the brain, which squashes surrounding brain tissue. In some cases, this can cause spasms and brain damage.

Much of our hard-earned savings would have to go toward getting the equipment that Milda needed to grow and play comfortably. It seemed like owning a home would never be possible.

When we heard about Habitat’s homeownership program, we knew it would be just the little support we needed to stand on our own, and we needed to get out of the house we were living in because it was not wheelchair accessible. It was amazing when we met with Habitat, they told us they could help with our accessibility needs for Milda and could give us a chair lift as well.

We still remember the day we received the life-changing phone call. We had been accepted to become Habitat homeowners!

Knowing that our family will be safe, we never have to be apart again, and our kids will have the freedom to live their lives with security, means the world to us.  So, thank you so much for helping our family, our lives will be forever changed!”

We always have an opportunity to help someone like Ta and Sah Blu’s family.  There are many low-income families in Saskatchewan that are in need of a safe, decent and affordable place to call home.  The goal is to set these families up with a chance at affordable housing in Regina and around Saskatchewan in hopes that this will help their children be successful in their journey through life.

In order for us to continue to help families such as Ta and Sah Blu’s, our charity requires donations from the community, at our ReStores, and through organizations and corporate donations. Any donation big or small is appreciated and goes a long way – it takes a village!  If you feel connected to our mission and would like to donate to our organization, check out our donation section on our website https://habitatsaskatchewan.ca/donate/.

What if everyone in Canada had a safe and affordable place to call home?

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As seen on Habitat Canada’s news channel – https://habitat.ca/en/news: 

As we mark National Housing Day on November 22 and as the housing affordability crisis deepens and further divides Canadians, it is time for us to recognize that our communities are in trouble, with too many people struggling to stay properly housed.

Forty per cent of Canadians are concerned about being able to pay their rent or mortgage over the next 12 months, according to Habitat for Humanity Canada’s Affordable Housing Survey. And four in five worry about having to spend less on food, savings, transportation and/or debt payments to pay for the roof over their heads.

Looking at generational differences, millennials are more than twice as likely as boomers to worry about paying rent or mortgages. Millennials make up the largest percentage of renters in Canada and they are the most pessimistic that Canada’s housing woes can be solved. That’s not too surprising, given that millennials are adults with young kids and established careers who expected that, by now, they would have the kinds of things their parents had – like an affordable home.

Now consider those most affected by the housing crisis – people who are finding it harder than ever to access stable, safe and affordable housing and put food on the table – and for whom homeownership has always been out of reach. Sixty-eight per cent of Canadian food bank users live in market rentals and, according to Food Banks Canada, they list housing costs as one of the top drivers of their food bank usage. It’s no wonder – the average rent in Canada was up 15.4 percent over the previous year, bringing the average monthly total to $2,024 a month.

Every aspect of the housing continuum – from homeless shelters to affordable housing, market rentals and homeownership – is under increasing strain, making it impossible for people to move along it. We must invest in all types of housing, and tackle the barriers to getting it built: zoning laws that don’t allow density and increased supply; municipal red tape that ties up developments, including affordable housing, for years; and the lack of affordable land. Municipalities that are increasing density, making it easier to build housing, and designating land for affordable housing will reap the benefits of having vibrant, prosperous and inclusive communities.

The issue of housing also divides neighbourhoods. Half of Canadians we asked felt that Not In My Backyard or NIMBY sentiment is one of the main barriers to making affordable housing available in neighborhoods, and 71 per cent agreed that ‘people worry about the impact of affordable housing on their property values and neighborhood’. Yet time and time again, studies show that well integrated affordable housing does not negatively affect property values and can actually benefit them. Canadians need to rethink their assumptions about what makes for a thriving neighbourhood and embrace the upsides of communities where everyone can live. After all, who wants to live in a place where vital and familiar services aren’t available because the staff they need have nowhere to live?

What Canadians do agree on is that housing matters. Let’s start there. We all need an affordable place to call home. And three-quarters of Canadians believe that more affordable housing could solve the social issues we are facing as a country. They’re right.  If we come together to address the housing crisis, we will be better positioned to solve other societal issues. Having access to a home with an affordable and stable cost – whether it is through rent or a mortgage – allows people to build financial stability. The experience of Habitat homeowners shows that when people no longer have to worry about whether to pay rent or put food on the table, they can focus on improving their economic opportunities, pursue additional education, and save for their child’s education. Knowing that 75 per cent of Canadians believe that too, is a hopeful sign that things will change.

We are a country of communities, and we all have a stake and a role to play in making our communities prosperous, welcoming, and inclusive, with safe and affordable homes for all. This is going to take an all-in approach from non-profits, businesses, and all levels of government, and the support and encouragement of individuals. We are all accountable for building better communities.

A better Canada begins with housing. And better housing begins with all of us.

One million reasons to celebrate 80 homes for 80 families! Watch the video for more!

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Homeownership enriches the lives of families in countless ways, just like it has helped Ramona and her family. Stable housing decreases transiency among children, who do better in school and lessens stress in adults, who are able to focus on advancing their future. We are proud to share the impact of Conexus Credit Union’s one-million-dollar partnership with us and how it has benefited 170 children from 57 homes across the province. There’s still more work to be done as we enter the final year of our partnership, and we look forward to working together to build safe and affordable homes for families in need.

Thank you Conexus Credit Union!

Habitat Saskatchewan Media Release – Haultain Crossing Celebration

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Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan Announces the 62 Unit Build Completion Celebration at Haultain Crossing, 1033 Edgar St.

Regina, SK – Haultain Crossing, the largest Habitat for Humanity build in Saskatchewan and the second largest in Canada, began construction in June 2015. This seven-year build has helped Habitat to serve sixty-two-plus families who have entered into homeownership and have a safe, decent and affordable place to call home. The last seven families moved into their homes at Haultain Crossing at the end of March 2022. In addition to these homes, a communal park was built that we will be naming the Conexus Credit Union Family Greenspace to honour them being the lead partner and donor for the project.

“Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan has provided sixty-two plus families with a forever home at Haultain Crossing and an opportunity to build a brighter future for their children in Saskatchewan through affordable homeownership,” said Denis Perrault, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan. “The mission of Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan is to help break the cycle of poverty with families through our homeownership program, and we know that this massive project has helped to achieve this goal. We are extremely proud of completing this seven-year build project as a non-profit organization and look to the future with excitement as we continue to build safe, decent, and affordable homes across the province.  This project was made possible with the support of many valued partners, donors, community members, staff, and volunteers. Conexus Credit Union has been our lead partner throughout this journey and with their pledge of $1 million dollars over four years which started in 2020, we were able to serve many families across Saskatchewan and at Haultain Crossing.  This contribution is not taken lightly, and we are so grateful that an organization such as Conexus Credit Union can offer us such a transformational gift to help people in need of housing.”

“Shelter is a necessity, and we know that when someone’s basic human needs are met, they can become financially well. Through our partnership with Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan, we are not only able to provide over 80 families across the province with homes but have also created the Conexus Credit Union Family Greenspace – a space within the Regina-based Habitat community to gather, play and make memories,” said Mark Borgares, Board Chair, Conexus Credit Union. “Through our $1 million partnership, we are honoured to work with such an impactful organization that’s helping to improve the financial well-being of our community, and celebrate the families, sponsors, donors, suppliers, surrounding community members and volunteers who all play a critical role in making a meaningful difference for these families.”

In addition to the support received from Conexus, Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan also received funding from the Federal Government (Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation), Provincial Government (Saskatchewan Housing Corporation), City of Regina, ISC, Farm Credit Canada, Greystone Managed Investments, The Mosaic Company, and many more local businesses. Habitat Saskatchewan is thankful for all volunteers that came out to work on this build over the years and everyone who participated in Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan’s mission.

To learn more about Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan, please visit www.habitatsaskatchewan.ca.

Media Contacts:

Habitat for Humanity Saskatchewan

Amanda Castilleja

acastilleja@habitatsask.ca

306-347-4657

 

Conexus Credit Union

Community Engagement

publicrelations@conexus.ca

306-781-5201

 

 

Habitat for Humanity hands over 17 units to new homeowners!

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Habitat for Humanity hands over 17 units to new homeowners!

“We were so happy and excited knowing that our family will be safe, and we never have to be a part again, and our kids will have the freedom to live their lives with security. It means the world to us.”

City councillor Terina Shaw (Ward 7) and Minister of Social Services Lori Carr also attended Monday’s event. Shaw spoke of how she empathizes with Moo and Ku, as she herself has experienced difficulty in finding and affording accessible housing. She said the story is “very dear to my heart.”

“I have a daughter with a wheelchair and, you know, just trying to find places that are accessible, trying to find the money to make things accessible was very, very difficult,” said Shaw.

During the announcement families living in the units came to join and take part in the announcement. People from all over the world are represented within the community. Children played on snowdrifts, parents spoke to one another and families sat and stood on the front steps leading to their homes.

“This seems to me like such a wonderful community. It’s not just a home, it’s a community,” said Shaw.

The project will see 62 families moved into homes that they will own. Denis Perrault, CEO HFH Saskatchewan, said the project, which started back in 2016, currently houses around 150 people.

Check out the full article here:

https://leaderpost.com/news/local-news/habitat-for-humanity-hands-over-17-units-to-new-homeowners