Saskatchewan Polytechnic students will soon help build affordable housing in Prince Albert through a partnership with Habitat for Humanity.
The two organizations signed a memorandum of agreement today for a five-year plan where carpentry and electrician students will work on one house a year for the local housing charity.
“This partnership will provide students an opportunity to hone newly-acquired skills, while at the same time contributing to Prince Albert in a meaningful way,” said Dr. Larry Rosia, Saskatchewan Polytechnic president and CEO.
The program is expected to involve up to 60 students on a yearly basis.
“It’s about families,” said past chair of Habitat Prince Albert, Morris Sawchuk. “When you look at the needs of families and surrounding area, they are great. Half of Prince Albert is low-income and a lot of our social issues have to do with the absence of safe housing — and that is why we are working toward improving that.”
Sawchuk says it has been proven that providing safe housing improves the lives of families.
“Kids do better in school, they avoid criminal activity and the families become viable in the community,” said Sawchuk. “So to the students who are going to be participating, not only will you be enhancing your skills, but you will be doing something to help your community.”
Habitat for Humanity began operating in Prince Albert in 1995 and has built 28 homes in the community.