In 1998, Nancy Muehling agreed to lead the Lincoln/Lancaster County Habitat for Humanity affiliate—on the condition that is was only temporary. Thirteen years and 84 houses later, she’s still there, but ready to retire.

An open house was held to honor Muehling on Friday, Nov. 30. During Muehling’s 13-year tenure, she helped turn the struggling Habitat affiliate into one with a solid foundation. Along with more than 140,000 hours of work from volunteers, the affiliate built dozens of homes for local families in need and raised nearly $4.8 million dollars during that time.

The work will not stop in Muehling’s absence. She helped select and train her successor, Michele Williamson, Habitat’s current resource coordinator. Williamson will take over as the LLCHFH executive director on Jan, 2, 2013.

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian organization that works to build affordable houses in a partnership with volunteers and future homeowners.

More information on Habitat for Humanity is available at: lincolnhabitat.org