Atlanta Habitat for Humanity Mourns the Loss of Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter

“Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter was a humanitarian, teacher, author and public servant whose impact on our nation and our world will be remembered with gratitude for generations to come. While we grieve his passing with heavy hearts, we’re grateful for the decades he spent building homes and empowering families as a global champion for affordable housing,” said Rosalyn Merrick, Atlanta Habitat president and CEO.

President Carter’s service with Habitat for Humanity began in 1984 when he and his wife Rosalynn built a home in Americus, Georgia. Because the organization’s mission closely aligns with their personal belief that families need a stable, affordable foundation to grow, the Carters committed their hearts and hands to help people achieve the dream of homeownership. 

In 1988, Atlanta was one of the first cities to host the inaugural Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, a weeklong blitz build that resulted in the construction of 21 homes in the Edgewood Community with the help of 1,000 local volunteers. 

President Carter continued to support various Atlanta Habitat projects like the 25th anniversary parade of homeowners and a groundbreaking at Lakewood Commons where the 1,000th and 1,001st homes were built. He was also present when former Atlanta Falcons player and philanthropist Warrick Dunn furnished the 100th home for his Home for the Holidays initiative for single-parent families.

Founded in 1983, Atlanta Habitat is one of the largest affiliates of Habitat for Humanity International. Dedicated to transforming generations through the power of homeownership, Atlanta Habitat is grounded in the belief that strong communities are built on a foundation of empowering families to own quality, affordable homes in safe, vibrant neighborhoods.