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While former U.S. presidents are often known for spending time working on their memoirs, giving speeches, or commissioning presidential libraries after they leave office, the late Jimmy Carter decided to pick up a hammer and put his skills as a leader and carpenter to work. He helped build or repair more than 4,400 safe, affordable homes for those in need through his dedication to Habitat for Humanity.
Since its founding by Millard and Linda Fuller in 1976, Habitat for Humanity has helped more than 62 million people around the world. This year, Habitat for Humanity International commemorates their 50th anniversary of bringing people together from around the world to address the global housing need.
Here’s the story behind Carter’s commitment to building and improving homes, and how he helped elevate what is now one of the most widely recognized housing nonprofits in the world.
How did Jimmy Carter become involved with Habitat for Humanity?
While Jimmy Carter started quietly working with Habitat for Humanity in 1980, the Carter Work Project started in September 1984. Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter led a group of Habitat for Humanity volunteers from South Georgia to New York, and helped renovate a tenement with 19 families who lived there. That was the inaugural Carter Work Project—and when the world found out about Habitat for Humanity.
What did he and his wife Rosalynn do for Habitat for Humanity?
“President and Mrs. Carter began volunteering with Habitat for Humanity more than 40 years ago, and through their compassion and servant leadership quickly brought worldwide attention to the need for decent and affordable housing,” says Jonathan Reckford, Habitat for Humanity International CEO. “The Carters put Habitat on the map, and we know that the best way to honor that legacy is to keep their work going.”
President and Mrs. Carter traveled across the world with Habitat, donating their time and voices—not to mention their physical labor—to build and improve homes alongside other Habitat volunteers and homeowners. President Carter continued this work into his 90s.
What projects did Jimmy Carter help build?
Through the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, President and Mrs. Carter inspired more than 109,000 volunteers to build, renovate or repair 4,472 homes in 14 countries over the course of more than 35 years. Through 2019, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter volunteered at every Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project. Highlights include helping to rebuild along the Gulf Coast after Hurricane Katrina and in Haiti for 2 years after the 2010 earthquake.
What’s happening with the Carter Work Project now?
The Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project continues. This May, it will be held in Atlanta, Georgia, and will help celebrate Habitat’s 50th anniversary. This is the 40th Carter Work Project, and volunteers will help build 24 new townhomes and single-family homes in Atlanta’s historic Sylvan Hills neighborhood. It’s the first time since 1988 that they return to Atlanta, where Habitat for Humanity International is headquartered.
How can you get involved with Habitat for Humanity?
Habitat for Humanity operates in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, and in more than 60 countries around the world. There are many ways to get involved, including volunteering locally or through a program like the Carter Work Project or Women Build. There are also opportunities to travel and help build around the world.
You can also support Habitat by shopping at your local Habitat for Humanity ReStore for furniture or building materials. The sales help support building and repairing homes in your community and the rest of the world. To get involved with your local Habitat organization, visit habitat.org/local.
