We have been deeply honored to have two of the world’s most distinguished humanitarians as dedicated Habitat volunteers for more than 35 years.
Throughout their involvement with the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter were tireless advocates, active fundraisers and some of our best hands-on construction volunteers.
The Carters demonstrated their commitment to social justice and basic human rights over and over again during their time in the White House. Their resolve only persisted since moving on, most notably through the Carter Center in Atlanta. They also worked on numerous Habitat builds both in the United States and around the world alongside passionate volunteers just like you.
In March 1984, President and Mrs. Carter worked with Habitat in Americus, Georgia. They quickly realized that our mission closely aligned with their values — the Carters had seen firsthand the effects that lack of affordable housing has and understood that, to ensure the greatest success, families need a stable, affordable foundation to grow.
That often begins with a safe place to call home. With this deeply held mission at its center, the Carters and Habitat formed a partnership.
Carter Work Project by the numbers
Since 1984, the Carter Work Project has touched lives around the world.
The Carters and their example have rallied thousands of volunteers, supporters and celebrities to take part in our mission, helping Habitat for Humanity become internationally recognized for our work to build decent and affordable housing. They’ve touched the lives of thousands of Habitat homeowners and volunteers and inspired millions across the globe.
Dive into the stories of families whose lives have been changed by the incredible work of the Carters, Habitat volunteers and advocates.
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The 2024 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project was a landmark milestone for Habitat, marking the project’s 40th anniversary. Habitat Humanitarians and country music superstars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood hosted the event in St. Paul, Minnesota, from Sept. 29 to Oct. 1, 2024.
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During President and Mrs. Carter’s tenure in the White House and the years that have followed, their focus on protecting and advancing human rights has never wavered.
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Habitat for Humanity is deeply saddened by the passing of former U.S. first lady Rosalynn Carter, who was a champion and strong voice for affordable, decent housing for all.
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From painting walls to framing houses, the Carters have always been ready to roll up their sleeves and get to work alongside fellow volunteers. Journey through these memorable build site moments with two of Habitat’s greatest supporters and hands-on volunteers.
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“We get to see despair transform into hope over and over,” President Carter has said. Take a look back at the kinds of inspiring moments that spark when homeowners, volunteers and supporters come together under a common mission.
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Former President Jimmy Carter has been serving others his whole life, and we’ve been honored that this incredible passion has led him to partner with Habitat for over 30 years. President Carter shares with us what inspires him to pursue a lifetime of helping others – a mission that has changed thousands of lives.
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For over 30 years, former first lady Rosalynn Carter dedicated her voice, time and energy to building and advocating for affordable housing alongside Habitat. She once sat down with us to share why the mission of a decent, affordable home kept her coming back year after year.
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Since 1984, President and Mrs. Carter have been champions and groudbreaking voices for affordable, decent housing for all, donating their time and leadership each year to build and improve homes through Habitat’s Carter Work Project.
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Watch as Neil and Erica — one of 21 families to build their homes alongside hundreds of volunteers at the 36th Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project hosted in Nashville, Tennessee — reflect on three years of homeownership while also looking toward the future.