During a press conference this week, President Jimmy Carter announced that he will begin treatment for melanoma. Habitat For Humanity have released a statement to say their thoughts and prayers are with longtime supporters President and Mrs. Carter at this time.
“Since first hearing of his diagnosis last week, the hearts and prayers of our entire organization have been with President Carter and his family. The Carters began volunteering with Habitat for Humanity more than 30 years ago and have helped bring worldwide attention to and support for our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO, Habitat for Humanity International. “Through their leadership and passion, they have made us a stronger organization and have directly helped improve the lives of thousands of families. We are grateful for their longstanding commitment to our mission and wish President Carter well in the days ahead.”
President and Mrs. Carter’s first volunteer experience with Habitat for Humanity was in March 1984 in Americus, Georgia, where Habitat for Humanity was founded.
Later that same year, they joined Habitat volunteers in New York City’s Lower East Side to renovate an abandoned building in partnership with low-income families. That marked Habitat for Humanity’s first Jimmy Carter Work Project, which was later renamed the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project. Each year since that time, the Carters have given one week to build houses alongside volunteers and families in communities across the United States and around the world.
Habitat’s annual Carter Work Project has helped build, renovate or repair nearly 4,000 homes in 14 countries alongside 92,000 volunteers.
This year, the 32nd Carter Work Project will take place in Nepal in November.
“The example set by President and Mrs. Carter these past three decades inspire us all to make this year’s project the very best ever,” said Reckford. “During the week, 1,500 volunteers will partner with local Nepali families to build 100 homes in just five days. I cannot think of a more fitting tribute to the Carters than to ensure this year’s project is an unprecedented success.”
