Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project 2009: Chiang Mai, Thailand

Feature Story

As partner families took photos with President Carter and introduced their children to their new homes, Carter Work Project volunteers wrapped up their work in Chiang Mai, Thailand, amid pomp and confetti, gifts and joyful tears from the new homeowners whose lives they’ve helped change.

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Build Day 5: A celebration of family

The final day of building at this year’s Carter Work Project was exhausting, emotional and rewarding, as volunteers hurried to finish construction and honor the 82 homeowner families with individual house dedication ceremonies. The presence of dozens of homeowners’ children (allowed on site for this special occasion) was a joyful reminder that it is all about the families. “Their hopes and dreams now have a chance to flourish,” said Habitat for Humanity Thailand president Chainarong Monthienvichienchai.

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	Time for celebration Friday was full of grateful thanks from new Habitat homeowners, the return of President Jimmy Carter from China and memorable closing ceremonies.

	Reaching new heights The houses stood a little taller on Build Day 4 in Thailand as volunteers and home partners worked together to finish roofs and also began installing doors and windows. The day was full of hard work, a souvenir topped with gratitude and lighted lanterns floating toward the heavens.

Overview

Thailand, the "Land of Smiles," is one of the great economic development success stories of recent times. Yet for many low-income families, increased demand for land and land prices has made access to decent housing impossible. Some 8.2 million people live in substandard housing.

Chiang Mai was the main host site for the 2009 Carter Work Project from November 15-20, 2009. Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn joined the Chiang Mai community, celebrities and approximately 3,000 volunteers. During the week-long build, 82 simple, decent homes were built in partnership with low-income families in northern Thailand.

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© 2009 Habitat for Humanity® International. All rights reserved. "Habitat for Humanity" is a registered service mark owned by Habitat for Humanity International. Habitat SM is a service mark of Habitat for Humanity International.