Jimmy Carter speaking at the 2018 Habitat for Humanity Carter Work Project in Mishawaka, Indiana.
(FILE: WTIU News)
Jimmy Carter, 39th U.S. president, has died at age 100. He died Sunday in his hometown of Plains, Georgia. Carter was the longest-living former president.
He served a single, tumultuous term as president. In the more than four decades after he left the White House, Carter and former first lady Rosalynn were advocates for peace and international human rights.
One of their most significant endeavors was their work with Habitat for Humanity. The two volunteered for more than 35 years building homes and drawing visibility to affordable housing.
One of the last places the Carters visited was St. Joseph County, Indiana in 2018, where they helped build homes in Mishawaka and South Bend. The Carter Work Project has built, repaired, or renovated 4,447 homes.
Before becoming Bloomington’s Mayor, Kerry Thomson worked for Habitat for Humanity alongside Carter. She also visited the Sunday school he led in his Georgia hometown.
“One of the most poignant memories I have of President Carter was the first time I went to a volunteer orientation at a Carter Work Project, and he does a big intro speech about how important housing is, but he ends that speech — to the thousands of volunteers that are assembled — by saying, ‘If you come to take pictures of me working on a house, or ask me for an autograph during this work week, I'm going to ask you why you're not working,’” Thomson said.
“Every time you spoke to him, it seemed that he wanted to spend all day talking to the person that he was with because he listened deeply and he really cared,” she said. “He was an incredibly hard worker.”
Wendi Goodlett, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity in Monroe County, worked with the Carters at their St. Joseph County build.
“They were just so passionate about the work of Habitat,” Goodlett said. “Their contributions to it are just immeasurable, I think.”
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter at the at the 2018 Habitat for Humanity Carter Work Project in Mishawaka, Indiana. (FILE: WTIU News)
U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigeg met Carter during his time as the mayor of South Bend. He said in a social media post, “his life and example will continue to make America and the world a better place for generations to come.”
Indiana Republican and former Vice President Mike Pence said “his work on humanitarian causes at home and abroad impacted the lives of millions and will inspire generations.”
“The Carters put Habitat for Humanity on the map, and their legacy lives on in every family we serve around the world,” he said. The Carter Work Project will continue its efforts in remembrance of the Carters.
Goodlett said the Monroe County Habitat is planning a memorial.
