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Jimmy Carter's Habitat for Humanity legacy: 'He stood up for us'

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Published  December 30, 2024 6:55pm EST
Jimmy Carter
FOX 5 Atlanta

Jimmy Carter built her home over 30 years ago

Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, were well-known for their contributions to Habitat for Humanity. FOX 5 Atlanta met a woman who says her house in Edgewood was built by the couple in 1988.

The Brief

    • President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn dedicated decades to building thousands of homes with Habitat for Humanity, significantly impacting communities, especially in Atlanta.
    • Sally Hollis, a resident of one of the homes built by the Carters in 1988, fondly remembers their hands-on involvement and cherishes a signed photo from the project.
    • The Carters began their work with Habitat for Humanity in 1984, contributing to the construction of nearly 4,500 homes across 14 countries.
    • The Edgewood project was among the first Carter Work Projects, showcasing their commitment by building several homes in just one week.
    • Rosalyn Merrick, CEO of Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, credits President Carter's involvement as pivotal to the organization's success and advocacy for affordable housing.

ATLANTA - President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn spent decades helping build thousands of homes with Habitat for Humanity. Many of those projects were in Atlanta and some of the original residents still live in those homes to this day.

"I loved him. The things that he did for us because nobody else came out and helped us or nothing. But he stood up for us, and I liked that about him," Sally Hollis said.

It has been over 30 years since Sally Hollis moved into her Edgewood home. It is one of 21 homes former President Jimmy Carter helped build in 1988.

"It meant a lot to me because I was staying in an apartment around the corner, had a bedroom and a half," Hollis said.

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Sally Hollis has lived in a Habitat for Humanity home built by President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn 30 years ago. (FOX 5)

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"So, when I got in this, I thought I was doing good, and which I know I did good," she added.

She still has a signed photo of everyone who helped build her home, including signatures from both Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter.

Hollis said the Carters were hands-on volunteers building her home. She even got to spend time with a pair in the process.

"He had this smile on his face like he couldn't take it off. So, that's what I'd like to remember him, is, you know, his smile," Hollis explained.

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President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn were known to be hands-on advocates for Habitat for Humanity. (Supplied)

The Carters first started working with Habitat for Humanity in Americus, Georgia in 1984. During their work with the organization, they helped build nearly 4,500 homes in 14 different countries.

The project in Edgewood was one of the first Carter Work Projects, where they built several homes in just one week. It's an effort that continues across the country to this day.

"I don't believe Habitat would be what it is today if it weren't for the involvement of President Carter," Rosalyn Merrick, president and CEO of Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, said.

"President Carter was one of our best volunteers. He loved building homes with us and was also the best advocate. He often spoke about the importance of affordable housing as a foundation for families really to grow and thrive," she added.

"I'm gonna miss him. Although he was 100, and he couldn't get around, but the things when you think about him, you will miss him," Hollis said.

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The Source: This article is based on original reporting by FOX 5's Kim Leoffler.

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