Donors like US$1 million sponsor Adam R. Scripps Foundation are a vital part of our 2025 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Austin, Texas. The foundation’s financial and volunteer support will help develop Austin Habitat’s homes at Whisper Valley, a thoughtfully planned, sustainable community designed for long-term affordability.

The family-led foundation has a history of supporting Habitat’s work in the U.S., but the opportunity to help build 25 energy-efficient homes during this year’s Carter Work Project is especially meaningful to them. Adam R. Scripps was a Texas native, and many family members still live in the state. 

“The Carters’ legacy is a testament to the power of how committed individuals can make a tangible difference in the lives of others,” said Alex Bakkum, chief philanthropy officer for the Scripps family. “Adam took decisive action to make the world a better place, so his foundation is honored to support the Carter Work Project since it aligns with our commitment to expand access to homeownership as a pathway to stability and joy.”

The foundation’s generous support of the Carter Work Project is a powerful example of how philanthropic gifts increase our network’s capacity to innovate and help families thrive while protecting the environment. In Whisper Valley, homes will feature renewable energy systems and sustainable design elements that help lower utility costs and create long-term savings for Habitat homeowners.

“The Adam R. Scripps Foundation’s extraordinary generosity was a moving moment for all of us and makes it possible for Austin Habitat to build more sustainable and affordable homes and help more Central Texas families achieve their dream of homeownership,” says Michele Anderson, Austin Habitat’s chief executive officer. “This donation will have a meaningful and lasting impact on our community.”

Habitat volunteers’ resilience and dedication embody the spirit of community – among them is Alma Violeta, a 73-year-old volunteer in Guatemala.    

Thirteen years ago, Violeta was living in deep grief after the loss of her son. Although the future felt dark, Violeta found the courage to attend a community meeting.  

That simple moment opened the door for a new purpose. Her commitment as a Habitat volunteer became not only a way to serve her neighbors, but also a path to rediscover her own strength. 

Just two years into her journey, Violeta was elected president of her community’s Habitat volunteer committee. She organizes meetings, encourages neighbors to get involved, and advocates for training that empowers the group to do more. Under her leadership, the committee became a vital bridge between Habitat and local families in need of safe housing. 

Violeta’s volunteer work has taken her far beyond her neighborhood. She travels by bus and tuk-tuk to reach remote villages, where she meets with families living in inadequate housing and shares their needs with Habitat staff.   

She also connects families with financial resources, supports community events and helps deliver construction materials. Her work ensures that even those living in difficult-to-reach areas can connect with Habitat to build safe, affordable homes on their own terms.  

Just as Violeta made an impact on people’s lives through volunteering, volunteering made an impact on hers.  

Across the globe, volunteers bring our mission to life. Because of Violeta’s dedication, even families in remote villages have a pathway to safe, affordable housing. 

Innovative young leaders are reshaping the future of housing. Through funding from the Habitat Youth Solutions grant in the Asia Pacific region, passionate youth are leveraging creativity, technology and volunteerism to advance housing solutions.  

From coastal Bangladesh to urban Nepal, two youth-led initiatives are using data and digital tools to create safer, more resilient communities — each shaped by the realities of local life.  

Digital solutions for disaster-prone communities in Bangladesh 

Fahim Hossain, Md., a younger engineer turned entrepreneur, started his own company, Green Lead. His team is helping to build the resilience of communities without access to adequate housing and are facing an increase in extreme weather events. Their project helps coastal Bangladesh communities prepare and recover from disasters like cyclones and floods.  

Accessible online and offline, their platform maps homes and neighborhoods at risk, flagging vulnerable areas and gaps in access to water and sanitation. Following a severe weather event, families can request repairs from local service providers directly through the app, ensuring faster and more coordinated recovery.  

The grant will help Fahim’s team reach more than 5,000 low-income residents and strengthen partnerships with local governments, nonprofits and nearby communities.

Data tools for safer urban housing in Nepal 

James Shrestha, a young data innovator, and his team at Open Knowledge Nepal are addressing the health and environmental risks that urban residents face. Their app helps identify hidden dangers in the Kathmandu Valley, including flood zones, earthquake risks, unsafe structures and poor air quality.  

Their platform creates risk profiles for homes, businesses, and public spaces, helping people make informed decisions when renting or buying. The project will benefit those most likely to live in unsafe housing, such as migrant workers and low-income families, while also giving local leaders data to improve housing across more than 10,000 properties. 

Young leaders creating lasting change 

These two projects highlight the diversity of our community and the countless young volunteers working alongside them. Together, with their communities, these young leaders are tackling the housing crisis with innovative, people-centered solutions.