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When most people are in their sixties, they’re looking toward a way to get out of the work force. 

Former United States President Jimmy Carter was looking for ways to be involved. 

Carter, who served as Commander in Chief from 1977-1981, passed away at 100 years old on December 29th. 

Yet having spent thirty-six years working to build homes and more through Habitat for Humanity, local staff took time to honor him last week as the nation mourned. 

“He was a champion for affordable and decent housing. That’s the way he put it,” said Mary Jo Hatchett, Executive Director for Habitat for Humanity of Madison and Clark Counties. “He was just a tremendous humanitarian.” 

Within a short time following his passing, the organization recognized Carter. 

Presently, a link on https://www.habitat.org allows others to share in a memory book how Carter’s life inspired them, along with a link to donate to the organization that names Carter as “[a] matchless statesman, a service leader, [and] a man of personal faith and public service.” 

According to Mel Jackson , Fund Development Coordinator with Habitat for Humanity of Madison and Clark counties, organizational efforts to honor and recognize Carter took place immediately upon hearing the news of his passing. 

“Almost overnight, they had an entire platform for people who wanted to honor him,” she said. “He was very beloved.” 

Locally, Carter’s influence was felt in a big way. 

Particularly, in 1997, the former President came to Madison County and took an active role building several homes in the area – many of which feature the same homeowners today. 

Trent Dolter, Volunteer Services Coordinator with Habitat for Humanity of Madison and Clark Counties, recalled stories told to him about Carter’s visit – featured in a newspaper still held by the organization to this day. 

“They told…me about how they were working knee deep in the mud, and President Carter [was] right there along with them,” Dolter said. “He really [got] in there, pretty much like a regular volunteer would.” 

Because of his service, many within the organization continued holding Carter in high esteem. 

“As volunteer [services] coordinator, I actually have a Jimmy Carter poster hanging up in my office,” Dolter added. “I think ‘What would Jimmy Carter do?’…that’s kind of how I try to model my management style after.” 

The organization plans to continue Carter’s legacy. 

Not only are a pair of boards recognizing Carter present for others to sign at the main office in Richmond, which will be part of a future project, but t-shirts featuring Carter using a hammer and with the words “Thanks Mr. President. We’ll take it from here.” have been ordered. 

“[He] is the reason Habitat [for Humanity] is as big as it is today, because he was able to target so many different communities. The [public relations] from it itself made it huge,” Hatchett added. “He did a lot of building all over the world.”