President and First Lady Carter’s efforts were vital to the success of Habitat for Humanity. Opening Doors is our tribute to their commitment to Habitat and affordable housing. The interactive art 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 magic happens as members of the public sign their names and write personal messages, transforming the doors into unique works of art.
Opening Doors is on display at the Utah State Capital, 350 N State Street, SLC, through the morning of January 26, 2024. Please stop by and contribute to the piece.
In March 1984, President and Mrs. Carter worked with Habitat in Americus, Georgia. They quickly realized that our mission closely aligned with their values. In September of that year, they led a group of Habitat for Humanity volunteers to New York City to work alongside 19 families in need of safe, affordable housing. This became the inaugural Carter Work Project, now an annual week-long event.
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. With Mrs. Carter by his side, he has partnered with Habitat for more than 35 years, tenaciously advocating for the importance of affordable and adequate housing and helping families build and improve homes around the world.
Since 1984, the Carters have traveled 167,279 miles 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 to build decent and affordable housing. They’ve touched the lives of tens of thousands of Habitat homeowners and volunteers and inspired millions across the globe.
In February 2023, Mr. Carter began receiving hospice care at home, where he could be with his family and friends. Mrs. Carter died on November 19, 2023.
Learn more about the Carters' work on Habitat for Humanity's website.
