Habitat for Humanity - Vancouver Island North, along with Habitat Canada and our global Habitat partners, friends, and colleagues, mourn the loss of President Jimmy Carter, a man whose legacy of public service, commitment to human rights, and enduring compassion for those less fortunate are an inspiration to us all. On behalf of our staff and volunteers, we offer our sincere condolences to the Carter family.

Habitat for Humanity Canada had the privilege to host President Carter on three occasions, starting with his 1993 visit to Waterloo, Ontario, and Winnipeg — his first trip for Habitat for Humanity outside the United States. He returned to Canada in 2005 for the first-ever Canadian-American Carter Work Project in Windsor, Ontario, along with sites in Michigan.

In 2017, to mark our country’s 150^th anniversary, our Canadian affiliate hosted the President again, along with his wife Rosalynn Carter, for the 34th Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project. For one week in July, President and Mrs. Carter traveled to Habitat build sites in Edmonton and Winnipeg to swing hammers alongside many other volunteers and future Habitat homeowners. Every single person who participated was inspired by the Carters’ commitment and dedication.

In addition to building 180 homes in Canada, President and Mrs. Carter helped raise awareness of the critical need for decent and affordable housing around the world. The Carter Work Project, since 1984 has been an inspiration to many, helping to build, renovate, and repair over 4,400+ Habitat homes across 14 countries. The Carters and their example have rallied thousands of volunteers, supporters, and celebrities to take part in our mission, helping Habitat for Humanity become internationally recognized for our work to build decent and affordable housing.

It Began in New York City

Jimmy Carter's affiliation with Habitat for Humanity began in New York City in 1984 - specifically at 742 East 6th Street in Manhattan. That was the location of a six-story building off Avenue D, which, at the time was crumbling and uninhabitable. It was later restored by a little-known group, called Habitat for Humanity with the help of a well-known supporter by the name of Jimmy Carter. In New York for an event and already out of public office, Carter, walking by the building, learned of the restoration project and wanted to get involved. The project was Habitat's very first in New York City. Looking back on that day, Carter reflected, "When I got there, I saw this terrible six-story building, it was filled with debris, and eventually we got 42 people that went up on a Trailways bus and had one of the most remarkable experiences of our lives".

Paying your Respect through Habitat

We welcome you to add a message to Habitat’s online memory book by visiting the link below and sharing your thoughts at: https://www.habitat.org/honoringcarter/memory-book

The Carter Center and the United States Department of Defense will provide details regarding memorial services. For the latest information, please visit https://www.jimmycartertribute.org/

President Carter’s legacy will continue to serve as an inspiration to all of us and to generations to come. To learn more about President Carter’s work with Habitat for Humanity visit www.habitat.org