Photo caption: Retired Prescott Area Habitat for Humanity Executive Director Miriam Haubrich is proud of the T-shirt that advocates “Live Generously.”
Following almost 30 years of involvement with the Prescott Area Habitat for Humanity (PAHH), Executive Director Miriam Haubrich has retired, effective December.
Haubrich served as executive director for 14 years. Previously, she was involved with the board of directors and served on several major committees.
She did qualify her retirement, saying she was not totally dropping all involvement with PAHH. She said she would do some traveling and relaxing, but nevertheless will stay active with the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. It is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Tom Peters, a past board president and current board member, praised Haubrich.
“In Haubrich’s public speaking engagements, she never missed an opportunity to dispel the misconception that Habitat houses are free. Seldom do you find a compassionate person who is also a tough but fair leader and great team builder. That’s what we have had in Haubrich.”
Haubrich’s mantra over the years has been that PAHH helps people break out of the cycle of poverty by building homes and creating long-term financial security. She is insistent that those who qualify for PAHH homes are responsible.
She has been quoted publicly as saying that the screening of applicants “is as rigorous – maybe more so – than you will find in most financial institutions. We view this process as key to fulfilling our mission as a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization.”
Over the years, PAHH has built homes for 88 area families. The majority have been constructed during Hubrich’s administration.
Haubrich also spearheaded major fundraising events for PAHH. One of them was the annual Golf Fore Homes Tournament and the other was just completed in November — the annual Toolbelts and Tuxedos Gala celebrated construction of homes during the past 29 years.
A senior volunteer for more than 20 years with PAHH, Joan Stinstrom, said during a recent ice cream social celebrating Haubrich’s retirement, “She has been an exceptional leader. She will be missed.”
