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It is with deep sorrow that Habitat for Humanity of Chester County joins the world in mourning the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. On Sunday, December 29, President Carter peacefully passed away at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by family. As we remember his remarkable life and service, we reflect on his immense contributions to humanitarian efforts, particularly his unwavering dedication to affordable housing.
For decades, President Carter, alongside his beloved wife Rosalynn, worked tirelessly to improve the lives of families around the world. Their support for Habitat for Humanity was nothing short of transformative. The Carters didn't just offer financial assistance; they rolled up their sleeves and worked alongside volunteers to build and improve homes, offering a powerful message about the importance of decent and affordable housing for all. Each year, they dedicated their time and leadership to Habitat projects, inspiring countless individuals and communities with their selfless actions.
Chris Wiseman, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Chester County, shared the following heartfelt message:
“Habitat for Humanity of Chester County expresses its deep sorrow over the passing of President Jimmy Carter.
President Carter will be remembered for his dedication to humanitarian causes worldwide. In particular, we will remember the contributions he made to Habitat for Humanity with his wife, Roslyn. Together, they championed the urgent need for affordable housing and illuminated the critical role we play in building a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
As we feel this loss, we also celebrate the life of a true servant leader. President Carter’s legacy will continue to inspire generations through the unwavering efforts of our volunteers, staff, and supporters.
In the coming year, we will unveil news about our involvement in a Carter Build that is still being organized with Habitat International and other affiliates. This initiative will provide a platform to underscore the profound impact the Carter's had on Habitat for Humanity. Thank you.”
-Chris Wiseman, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Chester County
Habitat for Humanity International also released a statement expressing their profound sadness at the loss of President Carter. Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, shared, “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.”
-Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International
The Carter’s Legacy with Habitat for Humanity
Though a common misconception is that Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter founded Habitat for Humanity, through their tireless work with the organization, they undoubtedly put Habitat on the map, gaining global recognition and continuing to do so throughout their lives.
After leaving the White House, the Carters sought out meaningful ways to continue their commitment to social justice and basic human rights. Their first volunteer experience with Habitat for Humanity took place in Americus, Georgia, near their home of Plains, in March 1984. That year, they expanded their involvement, joining Habitat volunteers in New York City’s Lower East Side to renovate an abandoned building in partnership with families in need of affordable housing. This effort marked the first Jimmy Carter Work Project (later renamed the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project). Over the following decades, the Carters remained actively involved, volunteering with Habitat every year until 2019. Their dedication became an annual tradition, as they worked side by side with homeowners to build and improve homes in communities across the U.S. and around the world. President Carter also served on the organization’s board of directors from 1984-1987.
As President Carter himself once said, “I think every human being has within himself or herself a desire to reach out to others and to share some of our blessings with those who are in need. What’s opened up that avenue for me and my wife and hundreds and thousands of others is Habitat for Humanity. It makes it easy for us to reach out and work side by side with the homeowner who’s never had a decent house, perhaps. I haven’t been on a Habitat project that I wasn’t thrilled and inspired and wept.”
The impact of the Carter Work Project has been nothing short of extraordinary. Over the last three decades, it has inspired more than 108,000 volunteers in 14 countries to build, renovate, and repair 4,447 Habitat homes. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat for Humanity has served more than 62 million people globally. In recognition of their exceptional dedication, Habitat named President and Mrs. Carter as the inaugural Habitat Humanitarians in 2016 for their extraordinary service in alignment with Habitat’s vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
Remembering President Carter in Chester County and Beyond
In honor of President Carter’s extraordinary contributions, Habitat for Humanity of Chester County is excited to announce plans for a special initiative in the coming year. We will be participating in a Carter Build, organized in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity International and other affiliates. This initiative will celebrate the Carter family's incredible impact on Habitat's mission and provide an opportunity to reflect on the values they held dear.
Habitat for Humanity International will also be celebrating President Carter’s life of service with local observances. To learn more or to share a tribute, visit habitat.org. For photos and videos of President and Mrs. Carter volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, visit habitat.ngo/cwpphotos.
We are inspired by President Carter's life and work and commit to continuing his mission of providing affordable housing for all. His legacy will live on in every home built, every volunteer who gives their time, and every family that benefits from the life-changing work he helped to ignite.
As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate the incredible life of a true servant leader. Thank you, President Carter, for everything you have done to make this world a better place. Your legacy will continue to inspire us all.
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