While the daily rhythms of construction and volunteer work continued in Portland, Habitat for Humanity Portland Region’s Deputy Director of Construction Programs, Jesse Withers, and Director of Volunteer Engagement, Liz Connor, joined 2,500 volunteers in Atlanta, GA, for the 40th annual Carter Work Project.
“It was a sea of blue hard hats,” says Jesse. A tide of high energy carried volunteers as they worked to build 24 homes over five days. Atlanta Habitat for Humanity kicked off the blitz build at the Mercedes-Benz stadium, setting an uplifting tone with tributes to Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, live music, and “lots of hype.”
“Everyone was so connected,” says Liz, admiring the number of volunteers who have traveled to Carter Work Projects for years, “there was a friend wherever you were.”
Building hope with every home
Liz and Jesse spent their week working on Building 6 with a regular team of 15-20 volunteers, sometimes up to 30. The days were long and hot. They left their hotel at 6:30 am and didn’t return until 5 pm. Thanks to volunteers, future homeowners, and leaders’ dedication, morale never faltered.
“They gave the most high-energy safety talks I’ve ever heard,” Liz says. Throughout the week, Jesse and Liz worked alongside Taka, the Habitat homeowner who will move into Building 6 once it is finished. Working with her made the build’s impact all the more tangible.
By week’s end, volunteers had framed, sheeted, and sided the homes, preparing them for interior work. From opening and closing ceremonies to daily tributes, the Carters’ influence was palpable.
Carrying on the Carters’ legacy
“It felt very much like there was still a presence,” Liz says, “it was an honor to be part of.”
Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter’s son Chip and his wife Becky not only joined the build — they worked on the home next door to Liz and Jesse.
“We got to see them carrying on that legacy and working directly with volunteers,” Liz fondly recalls. Jesse felt his appreciation for the Carters’ impact magnified when he and Liz took a self-guided tour of the Carter Center.
“The Carter Center’s focus on serving vulnerable communities around the world reinforced the idea that meaningful change starts with listening to people, respecting their dignity, and working alongside them,” Jesse says. “That’s exactly what Habitat does every day through housing.”
Back in Portland, Liz and Jesse say they feel more deeply connected to Habitat’s mission.
“This experience highlighted the power of volunteerism,” Liz reflects. “It was an honor to see so many people show up for the common mission of building homes, in the same way that our Habitat Portland Region volunteers show up every day on build sites, in ReStores, Home Repair, on committees, and in so many other ways.”
“The experience reaffirmed why this work matters and left me feeling proud to be part of an organization that helps create lasting change,” says Jesse. “Seeing people from different backgrounds unite around a shared purpose reinforced that Habitat is about more than building houses — it’s about creating opportunity, dignity, and hope.”
Want to help create opportunities right here in the Portland region? Learn about our volunteer opportunities here!
