What began as slabs of concrete and piles of lumber quickly morphed into Habitat homes for Charles and Christine, Alanna, Najlaa and Abdelhak, Todd, and so many others in communities across Canada.

From Winnipeg to Fort Saskatchewan, the provinces to the territories, 150 families became homeowners through the 2017 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project. The weeklong build, led by President and Mrs. Carter for the 34th consecutive year, drew thousands of volunteers from Canada and the United States.

Naimo thanked the volunteers who helped build her home in Edmonton. “This is the last time I say ‘thank you’ in front of them,” she said, “but it won’t be the last time I say it.”