Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, passed away at the age of 100, leaving behind a legacy that extends far beyond his time in the Oval Office. His commitment to humanitarian work, particularly his involvement with Habitat for Humanity (HFH), resonated deeply with communities around the world, including Edmonton, Canada, where he left an indelible mark on the lives of countless families. Carter’s dedication to affordable housing and his hands-on approach to building homes alongside volunteers cemented his image as a compassionate leader who used his post-presidency to champion causes close to his heart. His work with HFH serves as a lasting testament to his belief in the power of service and the importance of providing safe and affordable housing for all.
In 2017, as part of Canada’s 150th anniversary celebrations, President Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, embarked on a cross-country tour with Habitat for Humanity, spearheading the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project. This ambitious initiative aimed to build 150 homes across Canada, with 75 of those located in Edmonton and Fort Saskatchewan. Their presence in Edmonton generated immense excitement and drew thousands of volunteers eager to work alongside the former president and first lady. The Carters’ genuine enthusiasm and dedication to the project inspired countless individuals to contribute their time and skills, transforming the building sites into vibrant hubs of community engagement and collaborative effort. The resulting “Carter Place,” a development of 58 townhomes, stands as a tangible symbol of their commitment to providing affordable housing and fostering community spirit.
The tools used by President Carter and Rosalynn during their time in Edmonton, including a hammer affectionately known as the “hammer of hope,” have become cherished artifacts, representing the tangible impact of their work. These tools, along with the homes they helped build, serve as lasting reminders of their legacy of service. Their visit to Edmonton not only resulted in the construction of much-needed housing but also galvanized the community, fostering a spirit of volunteerism and collective action that continues to benefit the city today. The Carters’ ability to connect with people from all walks of life, coupled with their unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others, transformed the construction project into a movement of hope and empowerment.
The “Carter Place” project stands as a testament to the power of collaborative effort and community engagement. Approximately 14,000 volunteers, including the future homeowners themselves, contributed their time and skills to the project. Each homeowner committed to contributing at least 500 hours of labor, demonstrating their investment in the project and their commitment to creating a stable future for themselves and their families. The presence of country music stars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood further amplified the project’s visibility and contributed to the overall sense of community and shared purpose. The collaborative spirit fostered during the construction process laid the foundation for a strong and supportive community within Carter Place, where neighbors have become like family.
For the families who now call Carter Place home, the impact of the Carters’ work is deeply personal and transformative. Amanda Alleyne, a resident of Carter Place, expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to purchase a home with her son, highlighting the stability and sense of accomplishment that homeownership provides. She spoke of the strong sense of community that has developed among the residents, attributing it to the shared experience of building their homes together and the foundation of support provided by HFH and the Carters. Alleyne’s story reflects the broader impact of the Carters’ work, demonstrating how affordable housing can empower families, strengthen communities, and create opportunities for a brighter future.
The legacy of Jimmy Carter’s work with Habitat for Humanity continues to inspire action and encourage community involvement. In the wake of his passing, HFH Edmonton is providing opportunities for the public to pay tribute to the former president by signing doors at Habitat ReStores, which will then be displayed as a memorial to the Carters’ contributions. This initiative serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for affordable housing and encourages individuals to get involved in supporting HFH’s mission. The Carters’ dedication to service and their belief in the power of community serve as an enduring inspiration, encouraging individuals and organizations to work together to create a world where everyone has access to safe and affordable housing.
