Atlanta

How Jimmy Carter’s legacy of service with Habitat for Humanity is changing lives around the world

ATLANTA — Many people are celebrating former president Jimmy Carter’s lifetime of service.

One of his most recognizable causes is his decades of work for Habitat for Humanity.

Channel 2’s Tom Regan was at Atlanta Habitat for Humanity with his numerous contributions.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Carter would dedicate weeks at a time, gathering people and resources to build affordable homes. He also made a lasting impression on those who worked with him.

“His sincerity and that would just pour from his soul. He’s just an incredible person,” James Blackstone said.

Blackstone told Regan he worked with Carter on a half dozen Habitat for Humanity building projects.

He said he was touched by Carter’s relentless energy and commitment to the mission of providing people and families the means to put an affordable roof over their heads and live the American dream of home ownership.

He said Carter may have been a former president, but he was just a regular guy with a huge heart.

“He made everyone feel the same way. He was the same person with everyone, no matter who he was interacting with,” Blackstone said.

TRENDING STORIES:

The former president has worked in partnership with Habitat for Humanity since the mid-1980s. He earlier volunteered with the organization in Americus, Georgia where it was founded.

“His contributions have been remarkable,” Blackstone said. I had a number of people on my team that took vacation time to travel and work with him on work projects here and aboard.”

Blackstone said for Carter, it was never about getting photo ops or seeking recognition.

“He actually really likes the hard work and he did it well into his 90s. It’s hard to put into words. You meet a handful of people in your life that just emanate goodness,” Blackstone explained.

[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]

Speaking of Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, Habitat says they have been deeply honored to have two of the world’s most distinguished humanitarians as dedicated Habitat volunteers for decades.

IN OTHER NEWS: