Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter working on a build site during Carter Work Project.

Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter and Habitat for Humanity

How our most famous volunteers made an impact with the Carter Work Project, and how we’re carrying that legacy of service forward

 

The Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project has been building homes and bringing awareness to the need for safe, affordable housing since 1984. This annual volunteer event brings thousands together for five days, somewhere in the world, to build, renovate and repair homes. 

This year’s Carter Work Project: Quick facts

  • Carter Work Project 2026 is taking place in Atlanta, Georgia, from May 3-8.
  • The goal of the 2026 Carter Work Project is to build 24 new homes, which will be located in Langston Park, in Atlanta’s Sylvan Hills neighborhood.
  • The homes built during this year’s event include both townhomes and single-family residences.  

Learn more about this year’s Carter Work Project:

  • A volunteer works on a wall at the Carter Work Project build site.

    In 2026, for the first time since 1988, the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project will return to Atlanta. Atlanta Habitat for Humanity will bring volunteers, partners and affordable housing advocates together May 3-8 to build 24 new single-family homes and townhomes.

Since 1984, Carter Work Project has built 4,472 houses in 14 countries, with the help of 109,600 volunteers. The event has taken place in the U.S. and internationally, with builds in Africa, Asia, Europe and North America. 

See where we’ve built over the years:

The Carters and Habitat

The Carters left a legacy of dedication to community service and human rights over the course of decades, and we are honored that they chose to devote over 35 years to supporting Habitat’s mission with their advocacy. Some people assume Jimmy Carter founded Habitat, but in fact, the Carters were our most famous and tirelessly devoted volunteers.

Learn more about their role as Habitat Humanitarans:

  • The Carters laughing and talking with volunteers and homeowners.

    Since 1984, President and Mrs. Carter have been champions and groudbreaking voices for affordable, decent housing for all, donating their time and leadership each year to build and improve homes through Habitat’s Carter Work Project.