FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Washington, DC (January 2, 2024) –Next week Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia (Habitat DC-NOVA) will join a small group of Habitat leadership, volunteers and homeowners in Washington D.C. at the Capitol rotunda to pay respects to Jimmy Carter, the 39th president of the United States and Habitat for Humanity’s most famous volunteer.
Habitat DC-NOVA hosted the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project in 1992 and again in 2010, building 10 homes each time over the course of a week for local families with the help of Mr. and Mrs. Carter, and thousands of volunteers.
Over the last four 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. The Carters have been tireless advocates, active fundraisers, and devoted volunteers for Habitat for Humanity. Their engagement has rallied thousands of volunteers and even celebrities, helping the housing nonprofit become internationally recognized for its work to build decent and affordable housing around the world.
“Habitat DC-NOVA shares the deep loss felt across the world at President Carter’s passing. Our staff, our volunteers, and our homeowners had the great privilege to work alongside President Carter and his late wife Rosalynn Carter as part of two Carter Work Projects. Though he and Mrs. Carter insisted they were just another pair of volunteers, they were so much more. President Carter was a true and tireless public servant who inspired people everywhere to collaborate to build a just world for all of us,” said Susanne Slater, President & CEO of Habitat DC-NOVA. “We are deeply honored to have worked closely with the Carters during their decades of service to Habitat’s mission. President Carter’s legacy will live on as we pursue the Habitat mission here in DC & Northern Virginia and worldwide.”
The life of one DC family was forever changed after working next to President Carter on their home. Ms. Hope Gibson, who passed in May 2024 at the age of 81, was a 30-year Habitat homeowner and the very first in DC. When she purchased her Habitat home in 1992 with a zero-percent mortgage, she was a single mother raising two sons and unable to afford a place big enough for her family. She paid her Habitat home off early and continued to live there with one of her sons until her passing.
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. For photos and videos of President and Mrs. Carter volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, click here.
###
About Habitat for Humanity Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia
Habitat for Humanity Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia (Habitat DC-NOVA) believes everyone deserves a safe, decent, and affordable place to call home. Our mission is to reduce poverty housing and homelessness by building decent, affordable, energy-efficient homes for those in need. Since 1988, Habitat DC-NOVA has built over 300 homes and provided more than 350 repairs. In addition to building and selling affordable homes, Habitat DC-NOVA provides home repairs, offers financial education, and advocates for policies that create more housing for struggling families in the national capital region. Learn more at habitatdcnova.org.
Contact:
Kat Shaub
Habitat for Humanity of Washington, D.C. & Northern Virginia
C: 202.257.1153 (call or text)
Kat.shaub@habitatdcnova.org