Habitat for Humanity reflects on former president Jimmy Carter’s legacy, five years after building dozens of homes in Mishawaka

 

MISHAWAKA, Ind. – “I just remember how kind he was, how approachable he was, how humble he was,” reflected Jim Williams, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County, remembering the first time he met former president Jimmy Carter, while both of them were on a job site, building homes in Haiti in 2011.

“We were dedicating the houses at the end of the week, and somebody asked me to say the prayer, and I remember saying a very simple prayer—and when I ended, and then I said ‘amen,’ and I opened up my eyes, President Carter—our eyes met,” said Williams. “He turned around and looked at me, and I had this knowing and this sense that he appreciated the prayer and that it was more than just a formality to him. That was a neat connection.”

He worked alongside Carter on other projects, including the 2018 Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter Work Project in Mishawaka, where they built dozens of affordable homes for about 80 struggling families in Michiana.

“They helped shine a spotlight of the world on Mishawaka, Indiana,” he said. “And they helped draw attention on the need for affordable housing. And it was just a wonderful opportunity. We were one of only 35 sites chosen—and we’ll always remember that.”

Then, at age 93, the former president sat down with ABC57 to express his gratitude for the opportunity to serve others.

Carter said “I’m just grateful for Habitat and what they’ve permitted me and my wife to do. This has given us an experience of gratification for the chance to help other people in need. It’s given us an adventurous life, an unpredictable life and a hard-working life, and we feel that we’ve done something good.”

With Carter now in hospice at 98— and his time giving back possibly ending—Williams believed his example will live on forever.

Williams said, “Though I’m sad to see that he might be suffering and that he’s in hospice care—the best way to honor him would be to keep building houses. The best way to honor him would be to keep that legacy going and living by example, of choosing a life well lived. Choosing to serve others, and to follow his example.”

If you are interested in volunteering at Habitat for Humanity—more information can be found on their website here.