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This year, on October 1st, 2023, we celebrate President Jimmy Carter’s 99th birthday. Each year since 1984, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter have joined Habitat for Humanity to build homes and raise awareness of the need for home affordability.
Impact on Habitat for Humanity and the Carter Work Project
The inspirational couple continues to motivate millions of Habitat for Humanity volunteers. When President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn began working with our organization in 1984, they prompted a newfound awareness and increased engagement of our mission.
President and Mrs. Carter have been champions and groundbreaking voices for affordable, decent housing for all, donating their time and leadership each year to build and improve homes through Habitat’s Carter Work Project.
“A leader takes people where they want to go. A great leader takes people where they don’t necessarily want to go, but ought to be.” - Rosalynn Carter
“Till Death Do Us Part”
The former president and first lady live a fulfilling life together in love, even as they both battle health challenges. Jimmy Carter, 99, has been in hospice care for several months since February 2023, and Rosalynn, 96, has been diagnosed with dementia. Despite these health challenges, the couple remains holding hands, making memories, and providing a lasting impact on the world. They remain independent, living in their Georgia home. “He’s still opinionated, he’s still strong-willed, he’s still him. And that’s great to see,” says Jimmy’s grandson, Jason Carter (New York Times). Jason added, “They are together. They are at home. They're in love, and I don't think anyone gets more than that. I mean, it's a perfect situation for this time in their lives” (USA Today).
Though the former President is in hospice care, he is not struggling. He is simply receiving the care he needs to live out his days happily and healthily. Rosalynn remains in good spirits and high hopes despite her diagnosis.
It is a common misconception that the Carters started Habitat for Humanity. Though they did not create the organization, they have brought a newfound awareness to our cause and the importance of access to homeownership. Jimmy and Rosalynn have made an everlasting impact on Habitat for Humanity that will be recognized and remembered for decades to come.
Please visit our website for more information on Habitat for Humanity of Chester County, Pennsylvania. Learn more about our homeownership programs, events, and ways to support our cause.
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