President Jimmy Carter and Mrs. Rosalynn Carter dedicated decades of their lives to Habitat for Humanity, becoming some of the organization’s most passionate and well-known advocates. Their journey with Habitat began in March 1984 when they volunteered in Americus, Georgia, close to their hometown of Plains. Realizing that Habitat’s mission aligned closely with their values, they quickly formed a lasting partnership. Later that same year, in September, the Carters led a Habitat work group to New York City’s Lower East Side, helping 19 families in need of safe, affordable housing. This project marked the beginning of the annual Carter Work Project, later renamed the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project.
For over 35 years, the Carters lent their voices, time, and energy to Habitat’s mission of ensuring that everyone has a decent place to live. They worked tirelessly on build sites across the globe, hosting the Carter Work Project through 2019 and continuing their advocacy efforts even after they could no longer be physically present. Their unwavering support raised global awareness of Habitat’s mission and the critical need for affordable housing in the U.S. and beyond.
The impact of the Carter Work Project is profound, inspiring more than 108,000 volunteers to build, renovate, and repair 4,447 homes in 14 countries since its inception. Through their efforts, the Carters helped transform Habitat from a fledgling organization into a globally recognized force for good. In recognition of their extraordinary dedication, President and Mrs. Carter were named inaugural Habitat Humanitarians in 2016, joining a group of tireless advocates who champion Habitat’s vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
President Carter also served on Habitat for Humanity International’s board of directors from 1984 to 1987, further deepening his commitment to the organization’s success. Although the Carters’ last physical work project took place in 2019, their legacy continues, with the next Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project set to take place in Austin, Texas, in October 2025.
Habitat for Humanity: Building Homes, Communities, and Hope
Since its founding in 1976, Habitat for Humanity has partnered with families and individuals to help them build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners work alongside volunteers to construct their homes and pay an affordable mortgage, fostering stability and self-reliance.
With a presence in all 50 U.S. states and over 70 countries worldwide, Habitat for Humanity has helped more than 62 million people improve their housing conditions, creating brighter futures for countless families.