Habitat for Humanity mourns the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter

Honduras, December 29, 2024.

Habitat for Humanity joins in mourning the passing of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter. A true advocate for decent housing, he and Rosalynn Carter donated their leadership and time each year to build and improve Habitat homes around the world. Former President Carter passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 29 at his home in Plains, Georgia, surrounded by his family.

“Former President Jimmy Carter was a true friend to our organization and the families we serve. His legacy will continue to inspire generations of volunteers and supporters committed to social justice and building homes, communities and hope. Through his commitment and leadership, many families around the world were able to access adequate and safe housing, transforming lives and entire communities,” said Martha Guillén, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Honduras.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of former President Carter and our prayers are with the Carter family,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “Former President and Mrs. Carter began as Habitat for Humanity volunteers near their home in southwest Georgia more than 40 years ago. They soon brought attention to the global need for decent, affordable housing. We are grateful for the incredible impact the Carters have had on Habitat and the families who have benefited from their shining example. The Carters positioned Habitat for Humanity and their legacy lives on in every family we serve around the world.”

After leaving the White House, the Carters sought meaningful ways to continue their commitment to social justice and basic human rights. They first volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Americus, Georgia, which is located near their residence in the town of Plains, in March 1984. Later that year, the Carters joined Habitat volunteers on New York City’s Lower East Side to renovate an abandoned building in partnership with families in need of affordable housing. That trip marked Habitat for Humanity’s first Carter Project (later renamed the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Project). Each year since then and through 2019, the Carters have volunteered with Habitat to build or improve homes alongside homeowners, both in communities in the United States and around the world. In addition, former President Carter served on the organization’s international board of directors from 1984 to 1987.

“I believe that every human being has within him or herself a desire to help others and to share some of his or her blessings with those who need them most,” said former President Carter. “Habitat for Humanity has opened the door for my wife and I, as well as hundreds and thousands of others, to do so. Habitat makes it easy for us to help and work side by side with someone who may never have had decent housing. I haven’t been on any Habitat project that hasn’t moved me and encouraged me and brought me to tears.”

While inspiring millions of people over the past three decades, former President and Mrs. Carter worked with more than 108,000 volunteers in 14 countries to build, renovate or repair 4,447 homes. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has served more than 62 million people worldwide.

In 2016, Habitat named former President and Mrs. Carter as the first “Habitat Humanitarians” for their extraordinary dedication and service, in keeping with Habitat’s vision of a world where every person has a decent place to live.