Habitat for Humanity's Carter Work Project returns to Atlanta

Kristal Dixon

Two people wearing white hard-hats and construction gear help construct a home. A man wields a hammer in his right hand and holds a drill in his left hand as a woman watches. — Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, work on building a home during Habitat for Humanity's Carter Work Project in Denver on Oct. 9, 2013. Photo: RJ Sangosti/The Denver Post via Getty Images

Habitat for Humanity's 40th Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project will return to the former president and first lady's home state next week to build affordable homes in southwest Atlanta.

Why it matters: It's the first time since 1988 Habitat for Humanity has hosted the work project in Atlanta, the organization said.

Driving the news: Hundreds of volunteers will build 24 homes over five days in the nonprofit's new community, Langston Park, in the Sylvan Hills neighborhood.

The build starts Sunday, May 3, and runs through Friday, May 8.
Once completed, Langston Park will include 64 townhomes.

What they're saying: Rosalyn Merrick, president and CEO of Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, told Axios the 40th build coincides with the larger nonprofit's 50th anniversary.

"We thought [it was] a beautiful way to commemorate this 50-year legacy of impact, but also to celebrate the Carters' legacy here in their home state," she told Axios.
She said they expect to have at least 900 volunteers on site each day.

Context: Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, said the upcoming build in Atlanta will help provide support for residents who can't keep up with the demand of rising rents and home prices.

"So that gap in Atlanta, and really sadly, all across the country, is the widest it's ever been in terms of ... what it costs to create a home and what families can afford," he said.

The big picture: Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter's involvement in Habitat for Humanity played an outsized role in raising widespread awareness about the nonprofit's mission.

Their work is so synonymous with the organization that many people think the Carters actually started Habitat, which was founded in 1976, Reckford told Axios.
The Carters first became volunteers for Habitat in 1984.

James "Chip" Carter, the Carters' second-born son, told Axios he's looking forward to reconnecting with the many volunteers who've hammered alongside him and his parents over the years.

He expects his siblings and the Carter grandchildren will also volunteer next week with the nonprofit his parents held close to their hearts.
Working on the builds not only allowed him to become "friends" with his parents, but it's a chance to give back to people in need.
"It's the best week I spend every year, really," he said.

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Habitat for Humanity's Carter Work Project returns to Atlanta

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