Non-profit Christian housing ministry builds

Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit Christian housing ministry, is on the process of building a street in honor of former President Jimmy Carter’s involvement with their organization. (Photo by Breno Assis from Unsplash)

Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit Christian housing ministry, is currently building a street called “Carter Court” as a tribute to former President Jimmy Carter.

Remembrance of President Jimmy Carter

According to WCPO, former President Carter did not physically participate in the construction of any Habitat for Humanity homes in the Greater Cincinnati area.

However, his influence has motivated many volunteers to get involved in building efforts.

John Nolan, who heard about Habitat for Humanity through a former leader who had worked with Carter in Haiti, stated that the former president has been instrumental in spreading awareness about the organization.

He, who is volunteering in his church in various projects, aims to promote the message of giving back that Carter and his wife have championed.

Tracy Wells from Habitat for Humanity also recognized the exceptional legacy left by Carter.

Carter dedicated 40 years to building, repairing, and restoring over 4,300 homes alongside volunteers and changing 4,300 lives.

Like Carter, Wells stated that volunteers in the Greater Cincinnati area are scheduled to construct, fix, or remodel 17 homes this year, having already accomplished similar projects for a total of 680 homes.

In Oxford, some of these building efforts are being finalized on a street named “Carter Court” as a tribute to former President Carter.

Wells believes that this honor is well-deserved because it is not often that someone of such prominence becomes an advocate for a charity organization like theirs.

Building Homes, Community

Apart from constructing homes, Habitat for Humanity is focused on establishing communities of first-time homeowners.

Nolan expressed how remarkable it is for Habitat to have someone like former President Carter, who, even in his advanced age, is actively involved in the organization's efforts.

He stated that he appreciates how Carter recognized the value of providing affordable housing for the ordinary individual.

As part of the process, prospective homeowners are required to contribute several hours of volunteer work either on-site doing physical labor or in Habitat Restore locations.

According to Nolan, he finds it inspiring to be able to uplift his fellow man and carry out Habitat's mission by involving others.

By painting walls, nailing studs, and installing kitchen cabinets, he stated that volunteers are creating something permanent that could last beyond their lifetime.

And more importantly, they are helping to provide a happy home for families who may not have had the chance to obtain a home otherwise.

Meanwhile, Wells acknowledges that, like Carter, a significant number of Habitat for Humanity's volunteers are getting older.

And so, Wells stated her hope that younger generations would also embrace the organization's mission and become involved in building efforts, just like Carter and many others before them.

Wells explained that they have some outstanding volunteers who spend two days each week on build sites.

However, she also admitted that they need more volunteers because the current group is aging, and it's challenging to replace the level of dedication that they bring.

With this, those who are interested in volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, either individually or as a group, can visit their website at habitatcincinnati.org.