Greg Panio and his four children received the keys to their brand new home at 1019 Rae Street – the result of the first Women Build project in Regina. Spearheaded by a committee made up of women, the house at Rae Street was primarily built by women with men also contributing their skills along the way.
Greg, overcome with emotion, explained that the house represents so much more than just a house. “It’s a new beginning, for me and for my kids. We are all excited to move in and make this house a home. I am so grateful to every volunteer and every person who helped make this project happen. Owning this home will give us the room we need as a growing family and will allow me to focus on their upbringing today but also their futures tomorrow.”
“This Habitat for Humanity home is unique because the project was led by women,” Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for the Status of Women and the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation June Draude said. “It is a wonderful opportunity to show just how successful we – men and women – can be when we work together. This investment is also an outstanding example of the Saskatchewan Advantage, of living in a province where potential is realized, dreams are fulfilled and people can have a home to call their own.”
Habitat for Humanity Regina CEO Dennis Coutts said, “What a great project from beginning to end. Again, another Regina family has been able to escape the cycle of property by entering into home-ownership. We know that home ownership is a generational blessing that extends to the children and even their children. Our sincere thanks to Minister June Draude, and the Provincial Government, for showing leadership and initiative creating awareness for the status of women in Saskatchewan, while addressing our need for affordable housing. ”
Surveys show that home-ownership helps children improve their grades, and their behavior. Families are less reliant on social programs and assistance and in nearly a quarter of all Habitat families the parents go back to school.
Major sponsors of the build included Lowe’s which just opened in Regina last week. This partnership is particularly unique because it is the first of its kind in Canada. Lowe’s is the underwriter of the Women Build program in the United States and provided a $15,000 grant to build the Panio family’s house in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Regina – the first Lowe’s-sponsored location in Canada.
The family had to contribute 500 hours towards the build of their home and will pay an interest-free mortgage.
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