Celebrating a Century of Service: Jimmy Carter’s Lasting Legacy with Habitat for Humanity
As we celebrate the 100th birthday of former President Jimmy Carter, we reflect on a remarkable life lived in service to others. While Carter’s legacy as the 39th president of the United States is well-known, his decades-long commitment to affordable housing through Habitat for Humanity has left an indelible mark on families and communities around the world. For nearly 40 years, Carter has partnered with Habitat, working tirelessly to build homes, create hope, and inspire future generations of volunteers.
A Heart for Rural America
Jimmy Carter’s deep connection to rural America was born from his own upbringing in the small town of Plains, Georgia. Growing up on a peanut farm, he learned the values of hard work and community—a foundation that would guide him throughout his life. In his memoir, An Hour Before Daylight, Carter reflected on how his early years shaped his worldview: "The richness of life comes not from material wealth, but from community." This understanding of rural struggles and the importance of strong, supportive communities deeply resonated with Habitat for Humanity’s mission to build homes and create a better future for underserved families.
Carter’s involvement with Habitat has been particularly impactful in rural areas, where affordable housing is often scarce. Habitat for Humanity affiliates in places like Pickens County, South Carolina, have worked tirelessly to ensure that even small communities can offer safe, affordable housing to those in need. This shared vision of strengthening rural families through homeownership is a cornerstone of Carter’s legacy.
Building Homes, Building Hope
Since his first involvement with Habitat for Humanity in 1984, Jimmy Carter has been a hands-on volunteer, often working side by side with homeowners, volunteers, and fellow leaders. Whether painting, hammering nails, or simply offering words of encouragement, he has never hesitated to roll up his sleeves and get to work. Carter’s dedication to affordable housing stems from his belief that every person deserves a decent place to live—a belief he expressed in his book Our Endangered Values: "Habitat for Humanity gives people a chance to earn the pride and joy of homeownership, lifting entire families and communities."
Through his work with Habitat, Carter has helped raise awareness of the global housing crisis and inspired countless volunteers to join the cause. The Carter Work Project, which he and his wife Rosalynn founded, brought volunteers together annually to build homes in communities around the world, from rural Appalachia to cities in Asia and Africa. By leading by example, the Carters showed that true leadership is about service, and that through collective effort, we can create lasting change.
A Legacy of Unity and Volunteerism
Jimmy Carter’s work with Habitat for Humanity has not only been about building homes—it’s been about building unity. Throughout his time with Habitat, Carter has brought together people from all walks of life: politicians, celebrities, and everyday citizens. Through the Carter Work Project and his other efforts, he created opportunities for volunteers to connect over a shared mission of improving lives. As he wrote in Living Faith: "Service is the rent we pay for living. It is the very purpose of life, and not something you do in your spare time."
Carter’s ability to inspire others to action is perhaps one of his greatest legacies. Under his leadership, Habitat for Humanity grew in global recognition, allowing the organization to expand its reach and build more homes for those in need. His enduring belief in the power of service continues to drive Habitat’s work today, with local affiliates like Pickens County Habitat for Humanity working to build affordable homes and foster strong, supportive communities.
While Carter’s work with Habitat for Humanity has impacted communities across the globe, his values are particularly resonant in rural areas like Pickens County. Since 1981, Pickens County Habitat for Humanity has built or renovated over 100 homes, offering more than 300 individuals a safe place to call home. Inspired by Carter’s vision, the affiliate has worked to ensure that even the most rural communities can thrive, providing opportunities for homeownership to those who need it most.
Carter’s belief in empowering families through affordable housing aligns perfectly with Pickens County Habitat’s mission. His tireless advocacy for rural communities serves as a guiding light for affiliates like ours, reminding us that through collective effort, we can transform lives and uplift entire communities.
Continuing the Mission
As we honor Jimmy Carter on his 100th birthday, we celebrate a life devoted to service and a legacy that has touched millions of lives. His work with Habitat for Humanity has shown that the true measure of a life well-lived is not in titles held or accolades received, but in the lives improved through kindness, humility, and hard work. In his book A Full Life, Carter reminds us, "We are judged not by what we start, but by what we complete." Through Habitat for Humanity, Carter has not only started countless projects but seen them through—building homes, communities, and hope for generations to come.
At Pickens County Habitat for Humanity, we are proud to carry forward Carter’s legacy by continuing our work to build affordable homes and foster a sense of unity in our community. As we look toward the future, we remain inspired by his unwavering commitment to service and his belief that every person deserves the dignity of a safe, decent home.
Join Us in Honoring Jimmy Carter’s Legacy
As we celebrate this momentous occasion, we invite you to join us in carrying forward Jimmy Carter’s vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Whether through volunteering, donating, or advocating for affordable housing, you can help make a difference in our community and beyond.
Let’s continue building homes, hope, and community—together.
Photo Credits: Habitat for Humanity International
