RALEIGH, N.C. — For over three decades, former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, first lady Rosalynn Carter, were committed to serving others.

Through their work with Habitat for Humanity, building homes and strengthening communities, their legacy continues to inspire.

Patricia Burch, CEO of Habitat for Humanity in Wake County, noted that the former president’s impact resonated not only internationally but also profoundly within North Carolina, leaving behind a legacy of service and community engagement. 

What You Need To Know

  • In 2016, Habitat named Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn as the Inaugural Habitat Humanitarians for their extraordinary dedication to service

  • In 2024, the Carter’s work project was a landmark milestone for Habitat for Humanity, marking the project’s 40th anniversary

  • Former President Carter worked with more than 100,000 volunteers and improved close to 5,000 Habitat homes
  • Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has served over 46 million people around the world

Habitat reports that the late president collaborated with more than 100,000 volunteers before he passed away. He also helped improve close to 5,000 Habitat homes, which left those who met him inspired.

“I started in Birmingham, Alabama, and was there for 16 years and then moved here to take the CEO position about two years and three months ago,” Burch said.

Burch said she’s been with Habitat for Humanity for 18 years in all. 

The CEO for the Wake County branch started as a volunteer at Habitat, then worked her way up.

She said helping families gain access to affordable housing has always been her mission.

“I became kind of addicted,” Burch said, adding that her passion is helping others.

She met former President Carter twice while working with the organization. The first time was in Alabama, where she first got involved with Habitat. 

The following year, Burch and the former president crossed paths yet again. This time in Haiti.

“It was a plane full of nothing but Habitat volunteers. And so, he shook every single person’s hand on that plane,” Burch continued. “He was very generous with his time on that.”

Burch recounted that she immediately understood, starting then, his genuine commitment when it came to hands-on work. 

Burch said every time the Carters were on site, the focus was to work just like everyone else.  

“I’ve been inspired by him for a really long time,” she said.

Reflecting on their memories, Burch offered the Carter family a final message.

“Thank you for your commitment to Habitat and for allowing him the time to be able to spend with Habitat for Humanity. And you must be amazingly proud of everything he’s accomplished,” Burch said.

In 2016, Habitat named Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn as the Inaugural Habitat Humanitarians for their extraordinary dedication to service.

In 2024, the Carter’s work project was a landmark milestone for Habitat for Humanity, marking the project’s 40th anniversary.

Since its founding in 1976, Habitat has served over 46 million people around the world.