(Place of Hope continued)

Such community pride is evident in other ways as well. Prior to the JCWP, nearby middle-class residents feared that the project would decrease property values, and increase crime and litter. "Now, the overwhelming view of neighbors is that the people of Ethembeni are friendly and courteous," Marten says. "Property values have not been adversely affected and litter is not bad. Several of those neighbors take daily walks through the streets of Ethembeni ... and enjoy the peace and quiet."

Now a proven and integral part of the neighboring communities of Durban, Ethembeni also has ignited local volunteerism. Building on the excitement created more than a year ago by some 4,000 JCWP volunteers, Habitat for Humanity KwaZuluNatal's volunteer ranks are growing. "Without the JCWP, we would never be where we are now," says Yamiko Samu, volunteer coordinator. "And if ever there was an argument that South Africans don't volunteer, it no longer stands."

During a Women Build event in May, women Habitat homeowners led house crews for the construction of 10 houses with 500 volunteers. Young people from the community meet every Friday for ministry and fellowship, including 10 who raised funds in order to participate in the International Student Build in Cape Town.

For others, skills learned during JCWP and later may yield employment, as in the case of Aaron Hlakanyane. Unemployed, he stayed with his aunt in Ethembeni and volunteered for every blitz build, including the four-month Building on Faith event in late 2002. His skill as a house leader in a corporate build landed him a job with a client company, where he now works as a store supervisor.

Is Ethembeni a "place of hope"?

"Others will come to see and learn from us," says Philips. "It's like the angels come here to perform miracles."

--Samantha Schroeder is communications coordinator for Habitat for Humanity International's Africa/Middle East area.

		The Jimmy Carter Work Project 2004 committee met with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter during the JCWP 2003 in Alabama.

Jimmy Carter Work Project Heads to Mexico
by Yolanda Hernandez

Twenty years ago, when former U.S. President Jimmy Carter picked up a hammer at a Habitat for Humanity construction site, no one imagined the impact it would have in the years to come. The Jimmy Carter Work Project, celebrating its 21st year in 2004, has annually united thousands of volunteers from around the globe at diverse locations, including the Republic of Korea and South Africa, to build hundreds of houses with local families.

On Oct. 24, 2004, the momentous weeklong event heads to Habitat's Latin America and Caribbean area. Mexico will host some 4,000 local and international volunteers--including President Carter and his wife, Rosalynn. They will build a total of 150 houses in Puebla and Veracruz.

For Habitat for Humanity Mexico, the event is an opportunity to highlight its work and to invite people to get involved.

"One of our key objectives is to help develop a culture of volunteerism," says Peter Gape, director of Habitat Mexico.

"We want to offer an outlet for people to help strengthen the community, to realize that they can make a visible difference, enjoy themselves and meet others with the same spirit of service."

For information regarding the 2004 JCWP or to sign up for e-mail updates, visit www.habitat.org/jcwp2004/.