Following the death of former President Jimmy Carter on Sunday, Habitat for Humanity has shared how he has made an impact through his work with the organization.
Newsweek has reached out to Habitat for Humanity via email for comment on Sunday evening.
Why It Matters
Carter served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981. A former governor of Georgia, Carter often prioritized human rights during his time in politics. After his presidency, he became known for global humanitarian efforts and founding The Carter Center, which he and his wife Rosalynn Carter created in 1982 with the mission to “wage peace, fight disease, and build hope.”
As part of his humanitarian efforts, Carter and his family had notably been closely involved with Habitat for Humanity for over four decades, starting in 1984 volunteering in Americus, Georgia, near their home of Plains.
What To Know
Following Carter’s death, at age 100, Habitat for Humanity took to X, formerly Twitter, to share how the former president worked with the organization to “make the world a better place.”
“President Jimmy Carter was a true friend to Habitat for Humanity and worked so tirelessly to make the world a better place. Please join us in remembering him and celebrating the positive impact he had on so many. #HonoringCarter,” Habitat for Humanity wrote.
According to Habitat for Humanity, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter embarked on their first mission in New York City’s Lower East Side in 1984, teaming up with Habitat for Humanity volunteers to renovate an abandoned building for families in need of affordable housing. This effort marked the launch of Habitat’s first Jimmy Carter Work Project, later renamed the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, cementing the couple’s legacy of hands-on service.
From that trip in 1984 until 2019, the Carters dedicated themselves annually to Habitat for Humanity’s mission, building or improving homes alongside families in communities across the U.S. and around the world. Carter also lent his leadership to the organization, serving on its board of directors from 1984 to 1987.
Sunday’s message comes after the organization previously celebrated Carter’s 100th birthday in October.
In celebration of his humanitarian efforts, thousands of Habitat for Humanity volunteers gathered in October to build 30 homes in Saint Paul, Minnesota. The volunteers, including country music stars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, worked together to build 30 homes over five days.
Carter is survived by his sons John William, James Earl or “Chip” and Donnel Jeffrey; his daughter, Amy; 11 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. His wife, Rosalynn, died at the age of 96 last year following a monthslong stay hospice care.
What People Are Saying
Chip Carter, the former president’s son, said in a statement released Sunday by The Carter Center, “My father was a hero, not only to me but to everyone who believes in peace, human rights, and unselfish love. My brothers, sister, and I shared him with the rest of the world through these common beliefs. The world is our family because of the way he brought people together, and we thank you for honoring his memory by continuing to live these shared beliefs.”
Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International said in a press release, “We are deeply saddened by President Carter’s passing, and our prayers are with the Carter family. President and Mrs. Carter began volunteering with Habitat for Humanity near their home in southwest Georgia more than 40 years ago, and soon brought worldwide attention to the need for decent and affordable housing. We are grateful for the incredible impact the Carters have had on Habitat and on the families who have benefited from their shining example. The Carters put Habitat for Humanity on the map, and their legacy lives on in every family we serve around the world.”
What Happens Next
The Carter Center said in a statement that there will be public observances in Atlanta and Washington, D.C., followed by a private interment in Plains, Georgia.