For 14 years, Miriam Haubrich, executive director of the Prescott Area Habitat for Humanity (PAHH), has been adamant: “There are no free houses.”
Yet, in her distinguished career with PAHH, Haubrich has made possible the construction of homes for qualified individuals and families who meet the stringent criteria for access to affordable housing. She views that as a way of breaking the cycle of poverty and strengthening the economic, social and cultural environment.
Come December, that career comes to an end. Haubrich has announced her retirement.
Tom Peters, a current board member and a past board president, has nothing but praise for Haubrich.
In public remarks, Peters said, “Miriam has never missed an opportunity to dispel the misconception that the Habitat organization houses are free. She has led this organization through hard times and good times with wisdom, grace and courage sustained by her solid Christian faith. She is legendary for her fiscal conservatism and keeping a tight rein on spending while never forgetting the mission of Habitat.”
PAHH is a 501(c)3 non-profit affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. In the Quad Cities area, PAHH has taken leadership in building homes in Chino Valley, Prescott Valley and Prescott. Since its founding, PAHH has built homes for 87 families, most during Haubrich’s administration.
“Seldom do you find a compassionate people person who is also a tough but fair leader and great team builder,” said Peters. “That is what we have had in Miriam Haubrich.”
Haubrich’s involvement with PAHH began in 1989, when she and her husband first moved to Prescott. She became a member of the Family Selection Committee and in 1992, joined the PAHH board of directors.
Haubrich told Quad Cities Business News that she does not intend to “…drop out of sight. My husband and I plan to do some traveling and relaxing. However, I intend to remain involved and supportive of the PAHH. I can’t imagine doing otherwise after all these years.”
“Miriam has always been a kind and compassionate person who really does care about people. She has the attitude that if you help someone, that helps you as well. Know what? She’s right,” said Joan Stinstrom, a volunteer at the Habitat ReStore, a place where donated household items are available at low cost to the public.
Applicants Being Sought
“We just recently announced that the executive director position is open to applicants. We’ve already had more than 60 interested people from all over the country contact us. I’m confident a really strong leader will come in and create new opportunities for Habitat to serve those who want to make poverty socially, politically and religiously unacceptable,” said Haubrich at an ice cream social to celebrate her retirement announcement.
Applicants for the position are asked to meet the following qualifications:
Five or more years of management experience with a non-profit organization.
Experience in managing a complex, multi-faceted business organization.
Experience in fundraising and financial development.
Flexibility to relocate to Prescott within the next three to five months.
Those interested in applying for the executive director position for PAHH are encouraged to contact prescotthabitat.org or call 928-445-7388. QCBN
By Ray Newton, QCBN