Jaju Htoo was beaming when she thanked the people from Habitat for Humanity who made it possible for her family to have a new home in Regina.

Jaju and her husband Kya came to Regina four years ago from Burma after spending 15 years in a refugee camp - today they became proud homeowners.

"I am so happy. I want to say thanks a lot for my sponsor and to all the volunteers I want to say thanks for helping my family to start a new life," Jaju read from a paper to express feelings in the language she is still learning through ESL classes.

It takes 3,000 volunteer hours to build a home and the Htoo family were part of that process - putting 500 hours of work into the house which is a requirement for all Habitat for Humanity families. They are a  low-income family who needed a hand up and now they can begin paying an interest-free mortgage on their house.

For the Htoo family - the house represents a fresh start and a chance for their two sons to have a better future.

"They're going to get a good education for their life," Jaju said. "They are very excited."

June Draude, Minister responsible for the Saskatchewan Housing Corporation came to the key presentation and said she was happy to see the family and the community members involved.

"We believe in the communities, we believe in the individuals, we believe in this project," she said. "It also shows that government can do more if we're partnering with other people."

The government provided $3.5 million towards Habitat for Humanity last year and an additional $1 million in the budget this year.

Photos by News Talk Radio's Adriana Christianson