More and more families each year are given keys to their forever homes, thanks to Habitat for Humanity in Moose Jaw.

The local non-profit group relies on donations and volunteers who give their time to help build homes each year. Annually we've seen a celebration where Moose Jaw residents are given the keys and paperwork to a house that they might not typically be able to acquire for various reasons. 

Chairman for the local branch, Bill Harris, said they've come a long way in a short amount of time.

 "We're working on our 8th (home) right now, which is pretty good accomplishment compared to a lot of the other chapters I've checked out. We got launched here in 2008 and we didn't really get started on the first build until 2010 and the key presentation was in 2011."

Last year was a big one for the group as they set out to build two homes in a year, instead of just one home, and now in 2018 they're setting their sights even higher. 

Last year the Habitat for Humanity Moose Jaw chapter held their inaugural Spring Gala, and the second annual is coming up this Saturday.

"We've got two 25-foot lots on the east side of town and we're hoping to build our first duplex and select two qualifying families later this summer," explained Harris.

A future Habitat for Humanity homeowner is required to have completed a number of volunteer hours with the organization to be considered as an applicant. They must have banked up a number of volunteer hours during a build to be able to be considered. But they aren't they only ones on the job site; there are Habitat for Humanity members, as well as volunteers from across the city. 

"We do need volunteers going forward, if they wish to help they call 692-5050 or drop by the actual build site at 1160 1st Avenue North East, you can also go to our website."

A piece of their fundraising goal will hopefully be met following this upcoming weekend as they'll be hosting their 2nd annual Spring Gala on Saturday.