Honoring Jimmy Carter's Legacy in Affordable Housing

By Kevin Campbell, Executive Director, RALT

The passing of President Jimmy Carter marks the end of an era for affordable housing advocacy, but his legacy will continue to inspire generations. I had the honor of working closely with President Carter through Habitat for Humanity, witnessing firsthand his deep commitment to creating a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

I first encountered President Carter in 1999, when I joined Habitat for Humanity International. Two years later, I served as the staff leader for Habitat's 25th Anniversary events in Indianapolis, held September 11-16, 2001. The terrorist attacks on September 11 cast a shadow over the celebration, but President Carter’s presence on September 15 at Indianapolis' Conseco Fieldhouse was a powerful moment. It was his first public appearance after the tragedy, and he joined Habitat supporters from around the world to mark the organization’s milestone. His courage and resolve in that moment exemplified his character.

In 2003, I was honored to be the staff leader for the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project in Valdosta and LaGrange, Georgia, and Anniston, Alabama. Over the course of one week in June, 83 homes were built. The Carters stayed in a dorm room at Jacksonville State University alongside the other volunteers. Their only request? Peanuts and Diet Coke for an evening snack—humble preferences that reflected their unpretentious approach to volunteerism.

I also had the privilege of participating in the 2005 Carter Work Project in Detroit, another example of how President Carter lent not just his name but also his physical effort to building homes and hope.

One of my favorite memories is hearing President Carter speak about his involvement with Habitat. Without fail, he would always say that he received more from his engagement with Habitat than he gave. This humility underscored his genuine passion for service and community.

President Carter often spoke about love as the foundation of his faith and service, once saying, "You only need to have two loves in your life: God, and the person in front of you." This philosophy was evident in the way he approached affordable housing—seeing each homeowner and volunteer as individuals deserving of respect, dignity, and compassion.

President Carter once said, "The measure of a society is found in how they treat their weakest and most helpless citizens." He believed that safe, affordable housing was a key to strengthening families and neighborhoods. His words resonate deeply in Raleigh and across North Carolina, where affordable housing continues to be a pressing issue.

President Carter’s legacy in affordable housing is profound. His work with Habitat for Humanity elevated the importance of housing as a foundation for strong families and resilient communities. While his broader contributions include promoting fair elections and fighting disease through the Carter Center, his dedication to affordable, decent housing demonstrated his belief that a stable home is a cornerstone of dignity and opportunity.

Organizations like the Raleigh Area Land Trust (RALT) continue to build on President Carter’s vision, ensuring that affordable housing remains accessible for families in our community. By creating permanent, affordable homeownership opportunities, RALT helps preserve Carter’s dream of providing stability and hope to those who need it most.

From 1984 until 2019, President Carter and Rosalynn Carter worked tirelessly to build homes around the world, pausing only when the COVID-19 pandemic halted the Carter Work Projects. Their hands-on approach and unwavering commitment set a standard for what it means to lead by example.

As we mourn the loss of President Carter, we also celebrate the remarkable legacy he leaves behind. His vision and tireless efforts remind us that affordable housing is not just a cause but a fundamental human right. It’s now up to all of us—including those of us in Raleigh—to carry his work forward and ensure that his dream of a world where everyone has a safe, decent place to live becomes a reality.