Look here for date/time of Memorial Door event to be held within the next two weeks.

At the heart of Carter’s humanitarian vision was a simple yet profound understanding: everyone deserves a safe, affordable, and decent place to call home. This belief led him to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity in Americus, Georgia in 1984. The experience so moved him that he soon found himself in New York City, helping rehabilitate a vacant building for affordable housing—marking the beginning of what would become the annual Carter Work Project.

Though many assume Carter founded Habitat for Humanity, the organization was actually established in 1976 by Millard and Linda Fuller. However, Carter’s involvement proved transformative. Understanding the influence his name carried, he readily lent his prominence to Habitat’s cause, dramatically amplifying awareness of affordable housing needs worldwide.

Those who worked alongside Carter on build sites consistently paint a picture of a man whose work ethic matched his compassion. While always gracious with volunteers and members of the media who wanted to say hello or take photos, Carter remained focused on the task at hand. He wasn’t there for photo opportunities—he was there to work.

Carter’s Impact and Leadership in Michigan

The impact of Carter’s dedication reached far and wide, including significant projects in Michigan. In 2005, the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project undertook an ambitious initiative across the state. The numbers tell an impressive story: 234 homes dedicated, nearly $20 million in building projects, and over 20,000 volunteers participating. The project spanned from Detroit to the state’s west side, bringing together more than 60 local Habitat affiliates.

Dr. Ken Bensen, founder and first president of Habitat for Humanity of Michigan, puts Carter’s impact in perspective: while he didn’t start Habitat for Humanity, the organization wouldn’t have reached its current scale without his leadership. Thousands of families in Michigan and around the world now have decent, affordable housing thanks to Carter’s involvement. 

As Sandra Pearson, Past President/CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Michigan reflects, the Carters “set the tone and example of God’s love in action.” They worked tirelessly, always accompanied by family members, and consistently maintained that they gained more from these experiences than they gave. Their work with Habitat for Humanity wasn’t just about building homes—it was about building hope, fostering peace, and demonstrating the healing power of service to others.

Jimmy Carter’s legacy reminds us that true greatness lies not in the positions we hold, but in how we use our influence to help others. Through his work with Habitat for Humanity, he showed us that everyone can contribute to making the world a better place, one home at a time.

Saginaw-Shiawassee Habitat for Humanity mourns the loss of this great leader and friend to Habitat for Humanity, says Carmen Mora, Executive Director. We will send press releases, post on social media and pay a special tribute as we organize the signing of a memorial door to raise awareness of his and Rosalyn’s commitment to bringing awareness to the need for affordable housing. We will acknowledge how his efforts opened doors to brighter futures for thousands of Habitat homeowners for almost 40 years.

Well done, President Carter, for you have been a good and faithful servant! Come and share in God’s happiness! (Adapted from gospel of Matthew 25: 23)