Saskatchewan Polytechnic and Habitat for Humanity celebrate move of second home in time for the holidays
December 13, 2016 – Earlier today the second Habitat for Humanity home was moved to its permanent location in Prince Albert. This is the second house Saskatchewan Polytechnic carpentry students have built for Habitat for Humanity. In February 2015, Saskatchewan Polytechnic and Habitat for Humanity, Prince Albert, signed a memorandum of agreement for carpentry students to build five houses in five years. Under the five-year plan, the students will frame houses and install windows, exterior doors, siding, soffits and shingles.
"To see another Sask Polytech house moving down the street and being placed on a foundation is an inspirational moment. Knowing that this is not just a house but rather a home where another Habitat family can learn and grow together is exciting," says John van Leeuwen, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Prince Albert. "The partnership between Sask Polytech and Habitat for Humanity allows the families opportunities that would otherwise not be available to them. Truly inspirational."
“We are excited the house was completed before the end of the semester and before the holidays. Our carpentry students worked diligently to complete this house,” shares John Erickson, School of Construction, (acting) dean. “Carpentry students framed and finished the exterior of the house prior to the move. Students can feel good about giving back to the community during the holiday season.”
Habitat for Humanity funds materials for the homes and is responsible for finishing the interior of the house, aided by the families that will live in the homes. Houses are built at Prince Albert campus and later moved to a lot within the City of Prince Albert for the recipient family.
Every year more than 63,000 Canadians volunteer with Habitat for Humanity Canada, a non-profit organization that builds affordable homes for low-income families in some 300 communities across the country. Habitat for Humanity, Prince Albert, was founded in 1995 and has served over 28 families. In recent years, Habitat for Humanity has built on average six homes annually in Prince Albert.
Saskatchewan Polytechnic serves 27,000 distinct students through applied learning
opportunities at campuses in Moose Jaw, Prince Albert, Regina and Saskatoon, and through
extensive distance education opportunities. Programs serve every economic and public
service sector. As a polytechnic, the organization provides the depth of learning
appropriate to employer and student needs, including certificate, diploma and degree
programs, and apprenticeship training. Saskatchewan Polytechnic engages in applied
research, drawing on faculty expertise to support innovation by employers, and providing
students the opportunity to develop critical thinking skills.