As Nation Mourns Carter, His Legacy Includes Thriving Habitat Here

Former U.S. President Jimmy Carter died Dec. 29 at the age of 100.

Opinions about his presidency remain mixed to this day. But the peanut farmer from Georgia endeared himself to generations of Americans through his volunteerism and charity work. Perhaps the biggest part of his legacy endures in communities all across the country – including here in Fayette County – Habitat for Humanity.

“Fayette County Habitat for Humanity is deeply saddened by the passing of President Jimmy Carter,” the organization said in a statement this week. “His unwavering dedication to service has touched countless lives across the globe. As a rural affiliate, we’re especially inspired by his hands-on involvement with Habitat, exemplifying his belief in the power of community and compassion. The Carters’ humility, kindness and tireless commitment to helping others will forever be a guiding light for us. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Carter family and honor his legacy by continuing to build homes, hope and a better future for our neighbors.”

Carter left the White House in 1984 following his defeat by Ronald Reagan. According to the former President, he first considered volunteering for Habitat that year while jogging past a Habitat for Humanity build site in New York City. Carter, who often recalled the story, said he thought to himself at the time, “Rosalynn and I should come up and give them a hand.”

“When we left the White House, we could have done anything,” Carter once said. “But our choice was to volunteer as Habitat workers, and that’s been a life-changing ex- perience for us.”

He and the former First Lady would go on to become the most famous faces of the organization. But not just as supporters or donors. President and Mrs. Carter volunteered personally to build Habitat for Humanity homes all across the nation. He went on to serve as a board member of the national organization. Americans remember him more for swinging a hammer while wearing a baseball cap and jeans than wearing a suit in the Oval Office.

“He was involved as an advocate at the highest level up until about six months before he died,” said Kenny Couch, executive director of Fayette County Habitat for Humanity.

The former President and First Lady organized Habitat’s annual Carter Work Project for more than 30 years. That effort has brought together more than 108,000 volunteers who have built, renovated or repaired more than 4,447 homes in 14 countries.

Fayette County Habitat for Humanity began in 2004. Since then, the organization has completed eight homes in Fayette County. They’re working on their ninth home right now in La Grange’s Hope Hill neighborhood. Couch, who has been with the organization for the past five years, said they have also completed four major renovations and 12 smaller repair projects since he came on board.

Habitat for Humanity prides itself on being a “hand up” and not a “hand out” organization. The organization keeps costs down through donations and volunteer labor. But the homes still come with a mortgage. Habitat vets recipients to make sure they can afford that mortgage. Those who receive a home must also put in “sweat equity” by working alongside volunteers during construction. Habitat for Humanity finances the mortgages, and the revenue supports future building projects.

“I don’t think Habitat could have ever reached the scale it has without the Carters’ involvement,” Couch said. “His post-presidential work is kind of unmatched. He used his position to get out there and make the world a better place.”