Beyond his presidency, the late President Jimmy Carter continued to champion democracy, human rights, social progress, and affordable housing through his work with Habitat for Humanity.
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The late President Jimmy Carter was a tireless champion of democracy, human rights, social progress, and affordable housing throughout his presidency and beyond. The former president died on December 29 at his home in Plains, Georgia, at the age of 100.
After leaving the White House, Mr. Carter’s legacy continued to grow, particularly through his decades of work with Habitat for Humanity. His influence is woven into the lives of countless families around the world.
Immediately after Carter’s death, Habitat for Humanity International CEO Jonathan Reckford issued a statement saying, “We are deeply saddened by the passing of President Carter and extend our prayers to the Carter family.” Ta.
“We are grateful for the incredible impact the Carters had on Habitat and the families who benefited from their shining example. The Carters put Habitat for Humanity on the map, and their legacy continues It lives on in every family we serve around the world.”
Jimmy Carter | 2019 Carter Work Project | Habitat for Humanity International
In 1984, Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, began volunteering with Habitat for Humanity in Americus, Georgia, the organization writes.
That same year, the Carters started the Jimmy Carter Work Project in partnership with volunteers. It was later renamed the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project. This project focused on converting an abandoned building in New York into a home for a family in desperate need of housing.
In a video tribute to Habitat, Carter talked about what the organization’s work meant to him, saying, “Governments are not the only ones responsible for solving crises.”
“It is the collective momentum of committed individual citizens that proves our faith in ourselves, each other, and God, and this is especially true in a democracy. That is what Habitat means to me.” he continued.
Carter was never afraid to get his hands dirty or overcome adversity. In 2019, he showed up at a Habitat event in Nashville despite collapsing at home. He attended with a black eye, 14 stitches and a bandage on his face, the New York Times reported. That determination was a hallmark of his life.
Over 40 years, the Carters helped build and improve approximately 4,500 homes with 108,100 volunteers in 14 countries.
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter | 2019 Carter Work Project | Habitat for Humanity International
Since his death, Habitat for Humanity has encouraged the public to honor his legacy through an online memorial book containing heartfelt tributes.
One of Mark Henderson’s eulogies captures his spirit: “‘Great men plant trees in the shade of which no one can ever sit.'” President Jimmy Carter said, , spent his life planting seeds of justice and cultivating a legacy that will protect future generations. His unwavering dedication to humanity reminds us that the greatest measure of a life is the impact it leaves. ”
Boris Henderson shared a personal story: “President Carter and Rosalynn helped build habitat housing in the community where I grew up (Optimist Park in Charlotte, North Carolina). In fact, the incredible amount they gave to local affiliates The influence of , paved the way for my family to purchase a Habitat home that fundamentally changed my life and the lives of many others in our small community.A few years later, he and Rosalynn were unassuming. I came back to the community and made a surprise visit.”
According to Habitat’s website, Habitat continues to pursue Carter’s shared vision of “a world where everyone can live decently.”
The late president was born James Earl Carter Jr. and grew up in Plains, Georgia, where peanut farming, his Baptist faith and lively political debate were part of his daily life, according to the White House Historical Society.
These political discussions led Carter to enter politics, and he was elected governor of Georgia in 1970. Seven years later, he became the 39th president of the United States, serving from 1977 to 1981.
During his presidency, Carter tackled issues such as inflation, unemployment, and the energy crisis. He also championed human rights and deregulated the trucking and airline industries.
In 2002, Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his “decades of tireless efforts to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, advance democracy and human rights, and promote economic and social development.” .
Email Richelle Hamiel
