Carter Work Project 2025

CWP volunteers lifting wood framing.

October 26-31, 2025 |  Austin, Texas

This year marks a poignant milestone—the first Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project since President Jimmy Carter’s passing. Held in Austin, Texas, the 2025 project will build 48 affordable, energy-efficient homes in the nation’s first fully geothermal neighborhood. It honors President Carter’s lifelong commitment to decent, affordable housing and clean energy. 

President Carter and others gather next to solar panels for a dedication ceremony.

President Carter was an early advocate for renewable energy in the United States. He installed 32 solar panels on the roof of the White House in 1979, and his vision laid the foundation for future clean energy initiatives.

The 48 affordable and innovative geothermal homes built during this year’s Carter Work Project will not only help protect the environment—they’ll also lower energy costs, saving homeowners money for years to come.

Groundbreaking sustainability

A geothermal grid combined with solar panels will allow Habitat’s Whisper Valley homes to generate their own clean, renewable energy.

This zero-energy-capable solution allows homes to generate as much power as they use. As such, these homes provide their own heating, cooling, hot water and electricity. 

 

Rendering of Whisper Valley entrance.

A Home Energy Rating System (HERS) index of 25 makes these homes 75%-80% more energy-efficient than a standard home.

These homes cut carbon emissions and reduce both energy consumption and cost, which also makes them more sustainable and affordable.

 

These Habitat homes will have three or four bedrooms, range in size from 1,280 to 1,490 square feet and be priced at US$230,000 to US$245,000. To apply for an affordable home in the Whisper Valley development, complete the form.

Apply for a home

Site preview: Whisper Valley takes shape

The Whisper Valley development is located just east of Austin, Texas, in eastern Travis County. More homes will be built in later phases. The development will also have amenities like hiking and biking trails, parks, community gardens, a resort pool, and a community center. 

 
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Site of the future Whisper Valley development.
Dirt road being cut in at Whisper Valley site.
Aerial photo of Whisper Valley development.
Aerial photo of Whisper Valley development.
An expanse of cleared land with heavy machinery on the horizon, with a blue sky behind.
Piles of dirt and a dirt road.
A construction site with concrete foundation forms rising out of an expanse of dirt.
Wooden concrete forms under construction for the foundations of future Habitat homes.
Staff and vehicles on the build site.

Carter Work Project stories

With the 2025 Carter Work Project in his sights, 76-year-old Gerard Van de Werken has been hitting the gym to prepare for the physical demands of building houses. In a recent NPR story, Van de Werken shared reflections on his more than 25 years as a Habitat volunteer.