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Jimmy Carter: A Legacy of Community | 1924-2024
It is a myth that Jimmy Carter, along with his wife, Rosalynn, founded Habitat for Humanity. The fact is Jimmy and Rosalynn didn't join forces with Habitat until 1984; 8 years after it began. The misconception is most likely borne from his notable participation in Habitat's mission.
What made Jimmy’s involvement particularly special was the way he approached the work. He wasn’t just a figurehead or a philanthropist making large donations from a distance. Instead, he rolled up his sleeves and physically worked on the construction sites, hammering nails, laying bricks, and working alongside the very people he was helping. His hands-on involvement symbolized the idea that building community requires more than just financial support—although that's needed, too—it requires time, effort, and a personal investment in others.
His attitude towards community was simple yet profound: every person, regardless of title or status, should be willing to contribute, to get involved, and to be part of something greater than themselves.
Habitat Clallam will continue to carry his banner of hard work for the greater good, manifesting his belief that everyone deserves a decent place to live.
"We have been privileged to become builders, not only of houses,
but of family, lives, and hope." –Jimmy Carter
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