It seems the world is in love with America’s 39th President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter. Their lifetime commitment to peace, humanitarianism, and democracy around the globe seems unstoppable. After finishing the Habitat for Humanity Memphis project, they have already announced that they will be off to Canada next year for the 2017 Habitat for Humanity project.
Last week, 1,500 volunteers showed up to help build homes with Jimmy, 91, and Rosalynn, 89, in Memphis, Tennessee. The Carters began volunteering for Habitat for Humanity in 1984. Since then, they have never missed a year. Their goal is not only to help build the homes, but also to bring awareness to the critical need for affordable housing.
Country music legends Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood were also in Memphis for the second year in a row to help complete the project along side the Carters, and to offer their celebrity status in hopes of garnering even more attention to the cause. They succeeded.
All in all it’s a positive experience for everyone involved. The houses are not given away. The buyers are people in need who often come out and work with volunteers to help build the homes. When finished, the new homeowners are charged a low mortgage with no interest. Their monthly payments go to help build homes for others in need.
The Carter Work Project and Habitat for Humanity has helped build, renovate, and repair nearly 4,000 homes in 14 countries alongside over 100,000 volunteers. Here are several random comments from the thousands of Habitat homeowners:
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“I can say by far that becoming a homeowner was my greatest accomplishment. It has given me a sense of security and knowing that I am able to provide a decent home for my family is the greatest feeling. Thank you Habitat for Humanity” – Habitat Homeowner
“I have just finished my 2nd semester in school since moving into my home. I look forward to more good things to come. What has Habitat for Humanity meant to me and my family? “The beginning of a stress free life! Thank you so much for this opportunity!” – Habitat Homeowner
“Partnering with Habitat for Humanity has meant that I can help send my children to college and get a better education than I got…my daughter is her second year at Winston Salem State and my son is in his first year at Sandhills Community College” – Habitat Homeowner
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On Wednesday, Habitat for Humanity marked the completion of 50 new homes and the revitalization of 100 homes in the Memphis’s Uptown area. It was during the closing ceremony, the Carters, who are founders of the Jimmy and Rosalynn Work Project and The Carter Center, announced the next location. More information will be released on Oct. 3, 2016.
“We are excited to head to Canada in 2017 with President and Mrs. Carter,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “Their longstanding commitment to helping families build a better future for themselves has been a blessings to us and continues to inspire people everywhere to help us fulfill our mission.”
You, can read more about the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project here. To write to President Carter and/or former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, you can send your personal notes and letters to:
President Jimmy Carter/Mrs. Rosalynn Carter
The Carter Center.
One Copenhill
453 Freedom Parkway
Atlanta, GA 30307
or
Email to: info@cartercenter.org
Their work together “waging peace, fighting disease, and building hope”—is remarkable. Together, and individually, they are beacons of light in this world.
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America’s Nobel Peace Prize laureate and 39th President Jimmy Carter continues to advocate for human rights, peace and democracy with relentless fortitude and compassion. To honor him, over 175,000 people have joined the new Facebook page, Honoring Jimmy Carter. There, they share stories and thoughts about this remarkable man, and Mrs. Carter, while paying tribute. In addition, many are also showing their appreciation by signing the Thank you petition below:
