CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A North Carolina woman who helped launch Habitat for Humanity in the Charlotte region is reflecting on the legacy former U.S. President Jimmy Carter left behind. 

Carter, 100, passed away on Sunday while in home hospice care.

Jimmy Carter’s wife Rosalynn Carter died in 2023.

For over 30 years, the couple led the Carter Work Project for Habitat for Humanity. They assisted volunteers with building and renovating nearly 4,500 homes for families in need of affordable housing.  

A woman who met the Carters through Habitat for Humanity said their service has left a lasting impact for many in the Tar Heel state.

Claire Trexler has been volunteering for Habitat for Humanity since the 1980's. But her efforts started before the group was part of the Habitat organization.

Years back, Trexler and other volunteers visited a Habitat group in Georgia to learn how the organization was creating affordable housing for families. 

“[We] came back and presented that idea to our larger group and said we think this could work here in Charlotte on a larger scale,” Trexler said.

Over time, local churches and community members helped to create the Habitat for Humanity that serves the Charlotte region today. 

Trexler said thanks to volunteers, so many families have access to affordable housing. 

One of those volunteers just happens to be Jimmy Carter. 

The Carters worked on a 1987 Habitat build in Charlotte, helping build 14 houses in the Optimist Park neighborhood. 

“The Jimmy Carter Work Project was called ‘Miracle on 19th street.’ Back in 1987, [that part of the neighborhood] was a great big muddy field that was laid out for the lots for all of the houses,” Trexler said.

Although Trexler remembers Carter for his down-to-earth personality, it’s his act of service she and others will hold on to for generations to come.

"Everywhere he [built] and everywhere habitat has these projects, you'll find places and people's lives transformed,” Trexler said.