PORTLAND, OR (December 30, 2024) – Habitat for Humanity Portland Region joins the world in mourning the death of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and honors observances around the globe to remember his life of service. He and Rosalynn Carter have served as Habitat for Humanity’s most famous volunteers over the 40 years they helped to build affordable housing with the organization.
“On behalf of Habitat for Humanity Portland Region, I would like to express our deepest sympathies and condolences on the loss of President Carter,” said Steve Messinetti, President and CEO of Habitat Portland Region. “For President Carter, Habitat for Humanity wasn’t just about homes being built, but how people from all walks of life came together around a common cause to build them. It was peace-building work – building relationships, starting from that shared experience and purpose. Many of us have swung hammers alongside President Carter. His legacy, unwavering work ethic and values will live on inside the Habitat homes and lives he impacted around the world.”
Habitat for Humanity Portland Region was founded in 1981. Since then, it has built and repaired homes in partnership with more than 3,000 people across the Portland region. Messinetti, who crossed paths with Carter during his time with Habitat in Americus, Georgia, between 1994 and 2004, said the former president’s legacy will continue to shape the future for the Portland Region affiliate of Habitat.
“President Carter will always be Habitat for Humanity’s most famous volunteer and the person who had the most influence in the organization’s exponential growth as a leader in housing development and policy change throughout the world. I spent 10 years working at the Habitat headquarters in Americus, Georgia, and seeing and hearing from President Carter in this small town nearby where he lived most of his life was pretty common. I believe President Carter’s legacy and principles will continue to be the True North for Habitat, causing us to continuously challenge ourselves to do more and be better for our community until everyone has an affordable place to live.,” he said.
After leaving the White House, the Carters sought out meaningful ways to continue their commitment to social justice and basic human rights. They first volunteered with Habitat for Humanity in Americus, Georgia, in March 1984. Later that same year, the Carters joined Habitat volunteers in New York City’s Lower East Side to renovate an abandoned building in partnership with families in need of affordable housing. That trip marked Habitat for Humanity’s first Jimmy Carter Work Project (later renamed the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project). Every year since then, the Carters volunteered with Habitat to build or improve houses alongside homeowners in communities across the United States and around the world. President Carter also served as a member of the organization’s board of directors from 1984-1987.
About Habitat for Humanity Portland Region
At Habitat for Humanity Portland Region, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to have a stable and healthy place to call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Founded in 1981, we are invested in creating a region where everyone has the opportunity to build a better life. Learn more at habitatportlandregion.org.
