Georgia News

Habitat for Humanity begins annual Carter building project on Jimmy Carter’s birthday

From 2016 (Memphis): Former President Jimmy Carter (left, white shirt) and Garth Brooks (gold shirt) help raise a wall on the first day of a weeklong Habitat for Humanity build in Memphis. (JILL VEJNOSKA / Jill.Vejnoska@ajc.com)
From 2016 (Memphis): Former President Jimmy Carter (left, white shirt) and Garth Brooks (gold shirt) help raise a wall on the first day of a weeklong Habitat for Humanity build in Memphis. (JILL VEJNOSKA / Jill.Vejnoska@ajc.com)
By Matt Kempner
Oct 1, 2023

Habitat for Humanity has scheduled a relaunch of the annual Carter building projects on Sunday, timed in part to recognize the former president’s birthday. It marks an important juncture for Habitat as it pushes forward without the active involvement of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter.

This year’s event, running Sunday through Friday in Charlotte, North Carolina, will be hosted by country singers Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, who for years participated in builds alongside the former first couple.

The Carters were active and visible participants in the annual Carter Work Projects from 1984 until 2019.

“We felt having the Carter build continue was one of the best ways to continue to honor their extraordinary legacy,” said Jonathan Reckford, the chief executive of the Georgia-based international organization.

Chip Carter, one of the Carters’ sons, and his wife Becky plan to take part in the event.

A livestream from the project site, including an opening ceremony at 6 p.m., will be available beginning at 3 p.m. Sunday, according to the Habitat website.

Jimmy Carter entered home hospice in February. The Carter family planned to mark his birthday at home in Plains, Chip Carter said.

#JimmyCarter99: Marking a milestone birthday

Former President Jimmy Carter turned 99 on Oct. 1, 2023. Read more of our coverage:

From Willie Nelson to Joe Biden: A sampler of happy birthday messages to Jimmy Carter

‘A little bit magical’: How Jimmy Carter’s hometown celebrated his birthday - Story and many photos

Jimmy Carter, turning 99 in hospice, savors faith, family, tributes. Former president and wife Rosalynn spending their days at home in Plains, Georgia. By Ernie Suggs.

Jimmy Carter closes in on decades-long goal: Eradicating Guinea worm. Former president has played pivotal role in fight against neglected tropical diseases. By Katherine Landergan.

Living in houses Jimmy built. Atlantans recall how the Carters helped them through Habitat for Humanity. By Matt Kempner

Biden White House puts up outdoor birthday card, candles for Jimmy Carter

Read more coverage of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter

Former President Jimmy Carter works between his wife, Rosalynn Carter, right, and singer Trisha Yearwood, left, at a Habitat for Humanity building site Monday, Nov. 2, 2015, in Memphis, Tenn. Behind Yearwood is her husband, singer Garth Brooks. Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, have volunteered a week of their time annually to Habitat for Humanity since 1984, events dubbed "Carter work projects" that draw thousands of volunteers and take months of planning. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Former President Jimmy Carter works between his wife, Rosalynn Carter, right, and singer Trisha Yearwood, left, at a Habitat for Humanity building site Monday, Nov. 2, 2015, in Memphis, Tenn. Behind Yearwood is her husband, singer Garth Brooks. Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, have volunteered a week of their time annually to Habitat for Humanity since 1984, events dubbed "Carter work projects" that draw thousands of volunteers and take months of planning. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

About the Author

Matt Kempner is an award-winning journalist who seeks out intriguing twists about people and subjects beyond what the AJC might typically cover. A former columnist and editor, his past assignments have included business investigations, energy, the economy, entrepreneurs, big business, consumer spending, politics, government and the environment.

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