President Jimmy Carter’s passing reminds us of a life devoted to service—most memorably through his tireless work with Habitat for Humanity. Though he did not found the organization, he undeniably shaped its global impact, inspiring countless volunteers to pick up a hammer and build hope alongside neighbors in need. We invite you to read on and reflect upon his remarkable legacy.

If you’ve ever heard about President Jimmy Carter swinging a hammer on a Habitat for Humanity build site, you’re not alone—it’s one of the most iconic images in our organization’s history. But there’s a common misconception that President Carter actually founded Habitat for Humanity. In reality, the organization was established by Millard and Linda Fuller in 1976. Yet, it’s impossible to overlook how profoundly President Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, elevated Habitat’s mission through their advocacy, hard work, and leadership.

It was in 1984 that President and Mrs. Carter encountered a Habitat project in New York City while volunteers were renovating a building on the Lower East Side. They were deeply moved by the concept of working side-by-side with future homeowners to build decent, affordable housing and they were inspired to launch the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project later that same year, channeling their influence to shine a bright light on a still-growing organization. Under the Carters’ stewardship, Habitat for Humanity’s reach quickly expanded across the nation—and ultimately, the world. From Mexico to the Philippines, South Korea, and beyond, the Carters tirelessly showed up on build sites, attracting countless new volunteers, donors, and global media attention.

One such volunteer, Bill Koogler, vividly recalls spotting a tiny ad in Fine Homebuilding magazine back in 1994. It was a call for “Jimmy Carter blitz build” volunteers in Eagle Butte, South Dakota—a challenge to raise dozens of homes within a single week. Bill was building his own home at the time and was intrigued by the promise of working alongside President and Mrs. Carter on the Sioux Indian Reservation, but nothing prepared him for the sight of hundreds of people pitching tents in the blistering summer heat, all united in purpose. On the eve of construction, President Carter took the stage at the local high school, explaining that he and Rosalynn were there to work—not pose for photos or sign autographs. “At the end of the week, we’ll do that,” he said, “but for now, let’s build.”

The week that followed was equal parts exhausting and exhilarating. Thunderstorms rumbled through the Plains at night while volunteers hammered away by day. Bill marveled at the Carters’ tireless energy and remembers how President Carter would visit each unfinished house as the deadline neared, urging teams to push through. At Bill’s build site, a starstruck volunteer once rushed forward to shake the former president’s hand—only for a vigilant Secret Service agent to materialize and gently intercept him. Even so, Carter never missed a beat, finishing his pep talk with a friendly but firm reminder of the goal: every house complete by week’s end, no excuses. Experiences like Bill’s highlight how the Carters’ passion for hands-on service has drawn people from all walks of life to Habitat’s mission and inspired them long after their initial experience to keep volunteering. Having moved to Santa Fe over 15 years ago, Bill is a “Reg’ here at Santa Fe Habitat and one of the many committed volunteers inspired by President Carter himself.

As we reflect on President Carter’s passing, we do so with solemn gratitude for the remarkable community advocate he was. Right up until his final days, he tirelessly championed safe and affordable homes, raising walls, driving nails, and offering renewed hope to families around the globe. We are humbled by his decades-long commitment to Habitat for Humanity and in awe of the example he set—proving that true leadership is found in rolling up your sleeves and working side-by-side with those you serve. Though we mourn the loss of a visionary humanitarian, his legacy lives on in every home built and every life changed by the power of community.