Jimmy Carter built lasting legacy in Memphis through Habitat projects
by: Alex Coleman
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Millions of Americans are remembering the nation’s 39th president, Jimmy Carter, who died at the age of 100 at his home in Plains, Georgia.
Just north of the Uptown community in North Memphis, the impact of Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn is still being felt by homeowners living in Bearwater Park.
“I think Jimmy Carter was a nice man to help build these houses and for the community to be here as well, I’m glad he built these houses for us,” said homeowner Myneshia Seldon.
Back in August of 2016, the Carters — Habit for Humanity’s most famous volunteers — put on their hard hats to help build houses and turn them into homes for first-time home buyers. This Memphis site also served as the 2016 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project.
“It was a blessing to have him to do this for us,” Timeka Seldon added.
Jessica Hord, vice president with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis, said the organization was “humbled, honored, grateful that President and Mrs. Carter felt that Memphis was a place that they should bring the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter work project to highlight the need for affordable housing in our community and around the world.”
Construction projects that week included 19 new homes; 10 neighborhood beautification projects; and six aging in place projects to enhance accessibility and mobility for seniors.
“For some of these homebuyers, they were the first home buyers in their entire family, maybe for generations. So, it truly is game-changing. It’s life-changing,” Hord said.
President Jimmy Carter remembered as a game changer, a champion for peace, justice and human rights, and a former president who helped bring attention to the need for decent and affordable housing in Memphis and worldwide.
President Carter and his wife also participated in a one-day build in Memphis in November 2015.
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