When you picture Jimmy Carter, images of a peanut farmer turned president might spring to mind, or perhaps his Nobel-winning dedication to peace and human rights. But here’s the twist: Carter’s most transformative chapter began after his White House days, not in grand halls of power, but on construction sites with a hammer in hand. Partnering with Habitat for Humanity, Carter didn’t just build houses—he built hope, futures, and a legacy of compassion that reshaped countless lives.
The impact of President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter on Habitat for Humanity was vital to our success. Today, we join the world in mourning the death of Mr. Carter, who has been on hospice care since February 2023. He was preceded by Mrs. Carter, who died on November 19, 2023. Read Habitat for Humanity International's tribute to the Carters here.
Habitat for Humanity International has created a memory book, and we encourage you to share your remembrance.
“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.”
– President Jimmy Carter
The Carters' Impact
After leaving the White House, the Carters sought out meaningful ways to continue their commitment to social justice and basic human rights. They first volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Americus, Georgia, near their home of Plains, in March 1984. Later that same year, the Carters joined Habitat volunteers in New York City’s Lower East Side to renovate an abandoned building in partnership with families in need of affordable housing. That trip marked Habitat for Humanity’s first Jimmy Carter Work Project (later renamed the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project). Annually until 2019, the Carters volunteered with Habitat to build or improve houses alongside homeowners in communities across the United States and around the world. President Carter also served as a member of the organization’s board of directors from 1984-1987.
Throughout his tenure as head of state and in the years following, President Carter never wavered from his commitment to advancing peace, health, and human rights. Since 1984, the Carters have traveled 167,279 miles to build, repair, and rehabilitate 4,417 houses in 14 countries, working alongside 106,100 volunteers. Their final project took place in 2019, building 21 homes in Nashville, Tennessee.
The Carters and their example have rallied thousands of volunteers, supporters, and celebrities to take part in our mission, helping Habitat for Humanity become internationally recognized for our work in building decent and affordable housing. They’ve touched the lives of tens of thousands of Habitat homeowners and volunteers and inspired millions across the globe.
Learn more about the Carters' work on Habitat for Humanity's website.
Opening Doors
Locally, we created Opening Doors, an interactive tribute to the Carter's commitment to Habitat for Humanity and affordable housing. The project started out with two plain white doors, symbolizing how the Carters opened doors to brighter futures for thousands of low-income families over nearly four decades. The doors were posted at the Utah Capitol building after Mrs. Carter's death, thus beginning their transformation to art began as members of the public signed their names and wrote personal messages.
Opening Doors will be on display at various locations in Salt Lake through February. Check back for updates.
