Carter Work Project

“Habitat has successfully removed the stigma of charity by substituting it with a sense of partnership.” — Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter

We have been deeply honored to have two of the world’s most distinguished humanitarians as dedicated Habitat volunteers for more than 35 years. 

Throughout their involvement with the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former first lady Rosalynn Carter have been tireless advocates, active fundraisers and some of our best hands-on construction volunteers.

The Carters demonstrated their commitment to social justice and basic human rights over and over again during their time in the White House. Their resolve has only persisted since moving on, most notably through the Carter Center in Atlanta. They have also worked on numerous Habitat builds both in the United States and around the world alongside passionate volunteers just like you.

Carter Work Project 2023

The Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project is resuming this year. As President Carter enters hospice care, we lift him up in our thoughts and prayers and continue the work in his honor.

In March 1984, President and Mrs. Carter worked with Habitat in Americus, Georgia. They quickly realized that our mission closely aligned with their values — the Carters have seen firsthand the effects that lack of affordable housing has and understand that, to ensure the greatest success, families need a stable, affordable foundation to grow. That often begins with a safe place to call home. With this deeply held mission at its center, the Carters and Habitat formed a partnership.

The Carters standing together in front of a microphone.
“Habitat provides a simple but powerful avenue for people of different backgrounds to come together to achieve those most meaningful things in life. A decent home, yes, but also a genuine bond with our fellow human beings. A bond that comes with the building up of walls and the breaking down of barriers.”
— Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter
“For anybody who wants to get involved with an organization, there is nothing that they could do that would give them such a life-changing experience as Habitat. This is something that brings together people who have everything they need and those who don’t have so many things we take for granted.”
— Former first lady Rosalynn Carter
The Carters on a build site laughing together with volunteers and homeowners.

The Carters have rallied thousands of volunteers and even celebrities to take part in our mission, helping Habitat for Humanity become internationally recognized for our work to build decent and affordable housing. They’ve touched the lives of thousands of Habitat homeowners and volunteers and inspired millions across the globe.

Graphic that reads:  President and Mrs. Carter have worked alongside more than 104,000 volunteers in 14 countries to build, renovate and repair 4,390 homes.

We are grateful for President and Mrs. Carter’s continued partnership, and you can add to the legacy of this life-changing work by becoming part of the Carter Work Project.

3 years later: How homeownership changed this family

Neil and Erica — one of 21 families to build their homes alongside volunteers at the 36th Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project — share how three years of homeownership changed their family. “My kids are going to have a home that’s their home for as long as we want,” Erica says.

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A glimpse at what inspires President Carter

Former President Jimmy Carter has been serving others his whole life, and we’ve been honored that this incredible passion has led him to partner with Habitat for over 30 years. President Carter shares with us what inspires him to pursue a lifetime of helping others – a mission that has changed thousands of lives.

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How Habitat helped shape former first lady Rosalynn Carter

For over 30 years, former first lady Rosalynn Carter has dedicated her voice, time and energy to building and advocating for affordable housing alongside Habitat. She sat down with us to share why the mission of a decent, affordable home keeps her coming back year after year.

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Carter Work Project 2019

The 2019 Carter Work Project headed to Tennessee where President and Mrs. Carter worked alongside future homeowners and volunteers to build 21 homes in Nashville.

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Carter Work Projects through the years

Since 1984, President and Mrs. Carter have been building and advocating for affordable housing alongside Habitat for Humanity for over 30 years. Journey through the incredible legacy of Carter Work Projects!

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Habitat Humanitarians: The Carters

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.

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