Habitat builds its first home entirely by teams of youth
- EFN Staff | August 28, 2019
Habitat’s Youth Build is Saskatoon’s first ever project entirely built by teams of youth - people ages 16 to 30. From the framing to dry walling, to flooring and everything in between, these youth are learning useful skills that they will be able to take with them for the rest of their lives.
A portion of the home has already been constructed by the Langham High School through the DiVinci Project. Over the course of the Youth Build 2019, Habitat is anticipating approximately 350 youth volunteers, including dedicated teams from trades programs through local high schools. Saskatoon has some of the highest rent to income levels in the country, people need some relief, and the Habitat Youth Build is the solution.
“The Dakota Dunes Community Development Corporation (DDCDC) is proud to be the Title Sponsor of Habitat for Humanity’s Youth Build. DDCDC is a part of the Saskatoon Tribal Council’s family of companies that focus on poverty reduction,” said Shirley Greyeyes, Director, Dakota Dunes Community Development Corporation in a media release. “With each home Habitat for Humanity builds, they directly improve the quality of life for children and families. Every child and their family deserve a safe and healthy home.”
Located in the community of Meadow Green in Saskatoon, the Youth Build project is an in-fill duplex which will house 2 very deserving families. Each unit has 4 bedrooms and 2 bathroom and will have about 1800 square feet of space. The basements will be constructed using ICF, which will also provide the family with incredible savings on their energy bills. All Habitat builds are supervised by an amazing team of professional carpenters, ensuring the home is built to the highest possible standard.
“Saskatoon is a young community, with 49% of our population under the age of 35. Through their generous support, the Dakota Dunes Community Development Corporation is recognizing the importance of investing in young people,” said Brenda Wallace, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Saskatoon. “This investment enables the empowerment of youth through skills training, mentorship and the building of networks with other community members. It also gives a new generation the opportunity to feel the satisfaction that comes from raising people up through homeownership by raising a hammer!”
The donation provided by Dakota Dunes Community Development Corporation goes directly to building affordable housing units in Saskatoon. At the moment, Habitat Saskatoon is working towards raising $250,000 for costs to build this duplex. The assistance provided by Dakota Dunes Community Development Corporation will go miles towards Habitat reaching its goal. More help is needed and Habitat is reaching out to Saskatoonians in an appeal to help build homes for their fellow neighbours, co-workers, friends and family.