Quad Cities Business News

Prescott, Prescott Valley, Chino Valley, & Dewey/Humboldt

You are here: Home / Archives for Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity

APS Feeds Hungry, Shelters Homeless

By Leave a Comment

Those interested may apply for various forms of support.

For some in Central and Northern Arizona, APS provides much more than electricity. The largest electric utility in Arizona, APS contributes more than $10 million annually to community organizations and programs to help those in need of food and/or shelter.

“Combatting hunger and ensuring food security are important focus areas within one of our strategic pillars – human needs and services,” said APS Director of Community Affairs Tina Marie Tentori. “For example, our giving programs support many different organizations in the greater Prescott and Flagstaff area. Of those organizations that address hunger and homelessness, APS gives to Prescott Meals on Wheels, the Coalition for Compassion and Justice, Prescott U.S. Vets, Flagstaff Shelter Services, Flagstaff Family Food Center and Housing Solutions for Northern Arizona.”

She added that APS also contributes to Habitat for Humanity, United Way, the Area Agency for Aging and Big Brothers Big Sisters in these same communities.

She noted that APS employees statewide have contributed more than $44,000 to the Arizona Food Bank Network, which provides more than 4.6 million pounds of food, or 3.6 million meals. Tentori also commented that APS donates more than $10 million annually to qualified organizations and programs that are dedicated to improving the lives of Arizonans.

APS Media Relations Manager Jill Hanks serves on the board for the Ronald McDonald House of Central and Northern Arizona. She says the houses served 138 families from four counties who received 1,915 nights of housing valued at $107 a night through the collective efforts of those who contributed to the organization.

Hanks notes a key program that APS supports through the Ronald McDonald House of Central and Northern Arizona is “Dinnertime Heroes,” which provides meals for these families.

Those interested may apply for various forms of support. Applications must be filed from Feb.1 to Oct. 15. More information about the community impact grants can be found on the APS website, aps.com. QCBN

By Ray Newton, QCBN

Habitat for Humanity Helping Families Build Homes

By Leave a Comment

Imagine what life would be like if you didn’t have a place to call “home.” No matter how modest or rudimentary your current living situation is, it’s still your “place.” And, it’s where you and your family members gather to share love, life and daily experiences.

Without Prescott Area Habitat for Humanity, 90 families would not be able to access this privilege, which most of us take for granted. Talk to someone who has been homeless, and you will begin to understand how these families live with a constant burden of uncertainty, stress and fear. Every day, more and more families find themselves in a struggle to keep a decent roof over their heads, right here in the Quad Cities.

Fortunately, this valuable organization is celebrating its 30th anniversary as a local affiliate right here in Prescott. Maybe you know they’ve been here all these years, but do you REALLY know what they do? And, who benefits?

Established locally in 1989, this affiliate has built (and/or renovated) more than 80 ”houses” that were transformed into homes through the efforts of staff, volunteers and families who qualified for the housing. Families who partner with Habitat build their own homes, alongside volunteers, and then pay an affordable mortgage (30-year, interest free).

Habitat for Humanity is a partnership, not a giveaway program – Habitat’s homeowner families buy the houses that Habitat builds and renovates. Habitat homeowners also invest hundreds of hours of their own labor (500 hours per couple – 250 hours per single), working alongside volunteers. As a result of this collaborative model, Habitat for Humanity houses are affordable to local low-income families.

The local Habitat affiliate directly helps people secure decent, affordable housing. We also help people to improve their housing conditions, through a range of indirect services locally and throughout the United States, and in more than 70 other countries.

A decent, safe and affordable place to live transforms a family’s life in other key ways as well, including the following:

Health: “My daughter has asthma,” explains Mario. But since moving out of a dusty apartment and into their new Habitat house, “she hasn’t used her asthma pump once. I don’t even think she needs it any more.”

Child development: Gabe and Sylvia’s Habitat house is designed to accommodate their son Oscar’s disabilities. “Owning this home will allow both Oscar and Lucy to have the quality of life they deserve,” Sylvia explains.

Financial freedom: A statewide survey of Habitat homeowners in Minnesota reveals more savings and more confidence that college is in reach.

Community strength: “As the neighborhood grew, we came to understand what being accepted felt like,” says Cathy. “We are very different families, but we all come together to help each other.”

Habitat for Humanity knows that safe, decent and affordable shelter plays an absolutely critical role in helping families to create a new cycle, one filled with possibilities and progress. Affordable homeownership frees families, and fosters the skills and confidence they need to invest in themselves and their communities. The outcome can be long-lasting and life-changing, as it has been right here in the Prescott area.

With a little help, Habitat homeowners are able to achieve the strength and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves and their families. They are empowered to overcome the barriers that so often stand between their families and better, healthier, more financially stable lives.

Studies conducted by academics and experts draw a straight line between housing quality and the well-being of children. Surveys of Habitat homeowners show improved grades, better financial health and parents who are more certain that they can meet their family’s needs. Wherever Habitat works, there is tangible evidence that strong and stable homes help build strong and stable communities.

Decent shelter provides the solid foundation for all of this. It’s the platform on which a family lives out today’s realities, and prepares for tomorrow’s transformations. Every Habitat house changes lives: those of the families who help build them and pay an affordable mortgage or loan, and all those who offer them a hand up in a time of need.

The local Habitat for Humanity Affiliate provides year-round opportunities for community members to support the mission of bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope. Yes, we can all work together to create a world where everyone has a decent place to live. QCBN

By Alyce Ayers

Honoring Retiring Habitat for Humanity Leader

By Leave a Comment

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