Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County mourns the death of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter

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For immediate release:
December 30, 2024

Contact:
Josue Jorge
Director of Communications
jjorge@habitatcfc.org

 

STRATFORD, CT—Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County (Habitat CFC) joins the world in mourning the death of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and joins observances around the world to remember his life of service. He and Rosalynn Carter have served as Habitat for Humanity’s most famous volunteers over the 35 years they helped to build affordable housing with the organization.

Carolyn Vermont, CEO of Habitat CFC stated, “President Jimmy Carter’s legacy of compassion, service, and commitment to affordable housing will forever inspire us. Through his work with Habitat for Humanity, he touched countless lives, demonstrating his profound faith and steadfast dedication to helping others. A visionary leader and true humanitarian, his memory will guide us as we strive to build a better, more caring world. Rest peacefully, President Carter.”

“We are deeply saddened by President Carter’s passing, and our prayers are with the rest of the Carter family,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “President and Mrs. Carter began volunteering with Habitat for Humanity near their home in southwest Georgia, soon bringing worldwide attention to the need for decent and affordable housing. We are grateful for the incredible impact the Carters have had on Habitat and on the families who have benefited from their shining example. The Carters put Habitat for Humanity on the map, and their legacy will live on in every family we serve around the world.”

After leaving the White House, the Carters sought out meaningful ways to continue their commitment to social justice and basic human rights. They first volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Americus, Georgia, near their home of Plains, in March 1984. Later that same year, the Carters joined Habitat volunteers in 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 Jimmy Carter Work Project (later renamed the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project). Each year since then until 2019, the Carters volunteered with Habitat to build or improve houses alongside homeowners in communities across the United States and around the world. President Carter also served as a member of the organization’s board of directors from 1984-1987.

“I think every human being has within himself or herself a desire to reach out to others and to share some of our blessings with those who are in need,” President Carter has said. “What’s opened up that avenue for me and my wife and hundreds and thousands of others is Habitat for Humanity. It makes it easy for us to reach out and work side by side with the homeowner who’s never had a decent house, perhaps. I haven’t been on a Habitat project that I wasn’t thrilled and inspired, and wept.”

Over the last three decades, the Carter Work Project has touched lives around the world by inspiring more than 108,000 volunteers across the U.S. and in 14 countries to build, renovate and repair 4,447 Habitat homes. Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has served more than 62 million people around the world.

In 2016, Habitat named President and Mrs. Carter as the inaugural Habitat Humanitarians for their extraordinary dedication to service in alignment with Habitat’s vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

Habitat for Humanity will be celebrating President Carter’s life of service with local observances. To learn more or to share a tribute, visit habitat.org.

Photos and videos of President and Mrs. Carter volunteering with Habitat for Humanity are available at habitat.ngo/cwpphotos.

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Celebrating National Homeownership Month: Building Strong Foundations for Communities

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As we embrace National Homeownership Month, we honor the fundamental role that owning a home play in shaping the fabric of our communities. Homeownership is not just about possessing property; it symbolizes stability, security, and a sense of belonging. The impact of owning a home extends far beyond individual families – it strengthens neighborhoods, boosts the economy, and fosters a sense of pride and responsibility. Did you know that 1 in 6 households in Connecticut spend more than half of their income on housing? Lower-income families are especially likely to have unaffordable housing costs, requiring more than 30% of their income. This is why Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County is passionate about making homeownership achievable and affordable.

Homeownership’s contribution to community stability is one of the most significant aspects of homeownership. Homeowners tend to be more invested in their neighborhoods, leading to lower crime rates, increased civic engagement, and stronger social bonds. When individuals put down roots in a community, they are more likely to contribute positively to its growth and development, creating a ripple effect of prosperity. Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County seeks a world in which everyone has a decent place to live and call home.

Moreover, homeownership is often the cornerstone of financial security for many families. It provides a valuable asset that can appreciate over time, serving as a nest egg for the future. Homeownership also offers a sense of control and autonomy, allowing individuals to customize their living spaces and create a sense of sanctuary in an ever-changing world.

National Homeownership Month serves as a reminder of the American Dream – the idea that with hard work and determination, everyone can own a piece of the land they call home. It is a celebration of resilience, perseverance, and the enduring spirit of community-building.

As we commemorate this month, let us reaffirm our commitment to supporting affordable homeownership opportunities for all individuals and families. Let us recognize the profound impact that owning a home can have on people’s lives and the vitality of our communities. Together, let us continue to build strong foundations that will stand the test of time.

Happy National Homeownership Month!

Eugene “Gene” Gaillard
Advancing Black Homeownership Program Manager
Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County