Carter Work Project 2025

An up-close photo of a hand drawing plans with two volunteers in blue shirts and hard hats blurred out in the background.

October 26-31, 2025 |  Austin, Texas

This year marks a poignant milestone as the first Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project since President Jimmy Carter’s passing. Held in Austin, Texas, the 2025 project will bring together volunteers from around the world to build 25 affordable, energy-efficient homes at Whisper Valley, a sustainable “naturehood” designed to model innovative, eco-friendly living and long-term housing affordability. The project honors President Carter’s lifelong commitment to creating decent, affordable homes and building a more sustainable future for all.

President Carter and others gather next to solar panels for a dedication ceremony.

President Carter was an early advocate for renewable energy in the United States. He installed 32 solar panels on the roof of the White House in 1979, and his vision laid the foundation for future clean energy initiatives.

The 25 affordable, energy-efficient homes built during this year’s Carter Work Project will help families save on energy costs and demonstrate how sustainable, thoughtful design can create lasting impact. 

Carter Work Project Rural Rally

To shine the light on the need for more affordable housing in rural America, Habitat is holding its first-ever Rural Rally as part of the 2025 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project. During the last week of October, home builds and rehabs in more than 75 rural communities will take place alongside the project’s signature large-scale build in Austin, Texas. Find an event near you!

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Groundbreaking sustainability

A geothermal grid combined with solar panels will allow Habitat’s Whisper Valley homes to generate their own clean, renewable energy. 

This zero-energy-capable solution allows homes to generate as much power as they use. As such, these homes provide their own heating and cooling. 

A Home Energy Rating System (HERS) index of 25 makes these homes 75%-80% more energy-efficient than a standard home. 

 

Rendering of Whisper Valley entrance.

These homes cut carbon emissions and reduce energy consumption, which also makes them more sustainable and affordable.

Learn more about geothermal grids and sustainable development from our frequently asked questions. 

Whisper Valley Habitat homes will have three or four bedrooms, range in size from 1,280 to 1,490 square feet and be priced at US$230,000 to US$245,000. Austin Habitat for Humanity will build a total of 48 homes, including the 25 from Carter Work Project. To apply for an affordable home in the Whisper Valley development, complete the form.

Apply for a home
Bright green 3D printed good.

Waste reimagined at the Austin ReStore

Austin ReStore is more than a store—it’s a sustainability pioneer. As the first Habitat ReStore in the U.S., it continues to innovate through programs like ReCreateIt. This year, during the Carter Work Project, volunteers’ reusable water bottles will be turned into 3D-printed home goods sold in-store. 

Read more

Site preview: Whisper Valley takes shape

The Whisper Valley development is located just east of Austin, Texas, in eastern Travis County. More homes will be built in later phases. The development will also have amenities like hiking and biking trails, parks, community gardens, a resort pool and a community center. 

 
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Site of the future Whisper Valley development.
Dirt road being cut in at Whisper Valley site.
Aerial photo of Whisper Valley development.
Aerial photo of Whisper Valley development.
An expanse of cleared land with heavy machinery on the horizon, with a blue sky behind.
Piles of dirt and a dirt road.
A construction site with concrete foundation forms rising out of an expanse of dirt.
Wooden concrete forms under construction for the foundations of future Habitat homes.
Staff and vehicles on the build site.
Grid of photos displaying shirts and hats branded with Carter Work Project and Austin, Texas.

Carter Work Project Shop

Celebrate the spirit of service and community with exclusive Carter Work Project merchandise — available now for a limited time.

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Carter Work Project stories

With the 2025 Carter Work Project in his sights, 76-year-old Gerard Van de Werken has been hitting the gym to prepare for the physical demands of building houses. In a recent NPR story, Van de Werken shared reflections on his more than 25 years as a Habitat volunteer.