President Jimmy Carter’s legacy of giving back lives on through the nonprofits he and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, nurtured for nearly 50 years after leaving the White House. The Carters’ work has left an indelible mark on communities worldwide, from building homes to eradicating diseases.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles recently honored the late president, who passed away on December 29 at age 100, by signing wooden two-by-fours for use in a new house; this act, mirrored in Houston, Tallahassee, and other cities, pays tribute to the Carters’ lifelong commitment to affordable housing.
Habitat for Humanity: A key part of Carter’s philanthropic legacy
The Carters’ relationship with Habitat for Humanity began in 1984 when they joined volunteers to rehabilitate a tenement building in Manhattan. The nonprofit was small then, but its involvement catapulted its growth into a global organization operating in 70 countries.
According to Habitat’s CEO, Jonathan Reckford, Jimmy Carter was a skilled carpenter and a relentless worker who led by example. “It’s not a competition as long as his house gets finished first,” volunteers would joke, highlighting his determination.
Over the years, the Carter Work Project has built 4,447 homes in 14 countries. In 2018, Cleora Taylor had the privilege of meeting the Carters while working on her new home in Indiana, “he greeted me by name and even knew about my children,” Taylor recalled.
Today, she lives on a street aptly named Carter Court, a testament to the couple’s dedication to uplifting families; this is just one of the many lives the Carters have touched with their work.
In 1986, Carter, following a recommendation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, took on the challenge of eradicating Guinea worm disease.
The Carter Center, founded in 1982, made it its mission to combat this debilitating ailment. When the initiative began, there were 3.5 million cases worldwide; thanks to their efforts, only 14 cases remain across four African nations.
Dr. Jordan Tappero of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The Carter Center’s largest funder, lauded Carter’s resolve. “To the worm’s demise” became a rallying cry as the center worked tirelessly to eliminate the disease; Carter’s hope to outlive the worm symbolized his unwavering commitment to alleviating human suffering.
Mental health advocacy: Giving back to the community, Carter’s way
Rosalynn Carter pioneered in advocating for mental health and the recognition of caregivers, noting the importance of care providers in the grand scheme of things.
“There are only four kinds of people in this world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers,” said Rosalynn.
Rosalynn established the Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregivers (RCI) in 1987, which supports those providing care for loved ones. The institute’s work gained renewed momentum when philanthropist Melinda French Gates pledged to match up to $500,000 in donations during the GivingTuesday campaign in December.
By the end of the campaign, $253,000 had been raised, showcasing the enduring relevance of RCI’s mission and the tangible impact of its work on caregivers and their loved ones.
Democracy and peace: The enduring impact of Carter’s selfless giving
Beyond its work with Habitat for Humanity and health initiatives, the Carter Center became a beacon for democracy and conflict resolution. Since its inception, the center has monitored 125 elections in 40 countries and three tribal nations.
Carter’s hands-on approach took him to nations like Nepal, Bolivia, and Zimbabwe, where he mediated political agreements and advocated for free and fair elections. Carter’s remarkable contributions were recognized with the Nobel Laureate prize in 2002, solidifying his place as a global champion of human rights.
Presidential historian Cassandra Newby-Alexander praised Carter’s post-presidency as a model of impactful leadership.
“In so many ways, he set the standard for how presidents should be in their post-presidency,” she noted.
The tributes pouring in for Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter reflect their lifelong commitment to service, Habitat for Humanity’s ongoing projects, The Carter Center’s initiatives, and RCI’s advocacy work continue transforming lives, ensuring the Carters’ legacy endures.
As the world remembers Jimmy Carter, his philosophy of putting faith into action resonates deeply. From eradicating diseases to building homes, the Carters’ work and commitment highlight the lasting impact of compassion and dedication.
Regional initiatives: Building on Carter’s legacy of altruism
America’s banks have demonstrated their commitment to community development through similar philanthropic initiatives. For instance, TD Bank collaborated with local organizations in Maryland to renovate homes, providing over 500 families with secure and affordable housing.
This project reduced homelessness and revitalized neighborhoods by creating stable environments for residents. Similarly, Citizens Bank in Arkansas launched a comprehensive program to tackle gentrification by partnering with community groups to ensure affordable housing options for underserved populations.
Comparing these projects to the initiatives spearheaded by America’s banks highlights shared goals and distinct approaches. While TD Bank’s efforts emphasized home renovations, other banks like the U.S. Bank in Minnesota focused on empowering first-time homebuyers, offering financial literacy workshops and accessible mortgage programs.
Additionally, Habitat for Humanity’s collaboration with banks nationwide mirrors the underlying principle of Carter’s legacy of giving back—building hope and fostering resilience through secure housing solutions. These initiatives collectively underscore the pivotal role banks play in strengthening communities.
Whether through housing projects, financial education, or direct donations, banks have consistently extended their resources and expertise to create meaningful change. This proves that sustainable development thrives on collaboration and compassion.