Affordable housing nonprofit Habitat for Humanity expressed their deep gratitude towards late President Jimmy Carter, referring to him as “a true friend” in a statement released on Sunday. The organization highlighted Carter's unwavering dedication to making the world a better place and encouraged others to join in celebrating his positive impact.
The strong bond between Carter and Habitat for Humanity dates back to the inception of the Carter Work Project. This initiative, which has seen the construction, renovation, or repair of over 4,300 homes with the help of more than 100,000 volunteers across 14 countries, had its origins in a chance encounter during a run in Manhattan.
Founded in Americus, Georgia, in 1976, Habitat for Humanity was situated just a short distance from the Carters’ residence in Plains, Georgia. Carter's involvement with the organization began informally, but it was during a run in New York City that the idea for the Carter Work Project took root.
During his run on the Lower East Side, Carter came across a group of students struggling with a Habitat project. His simple remark, “We need to do something to help these students,” sparked the beginning of the Carter Work Project. Subsequently, the Carters, along with a group of volunteers from south Georgia, traveled to Manhattan to work on the Mascot Flats apartment building in 1984.
Throughout the years, the Carter Work Project has taken the former first couple on a journey across the United States and to various countries worldwide, including Hungary and the Philippines. The project has not only transformed communities and provided homes for those in need but has also showcased the Carters' commitment to service and philanthropy.
