Jimmy Carter built houses with Habitat for Humanity in Detroit, Michigan | Letters

President Jimmy Carter, who died on Dec. 29 at 100, leaves a legacy of compassion, humility, kindness, and peacemaking. While world leaders reflect on his greatness, we in Detroit had the privilege of working directly with him. We consider ourselves fortunate, as he profoundly impacted our lives.

During our tenure with Habitat for Humanity in Detroit, we oversaw and managed several Habitat Blitzes, where six to 20 homes were constructed in a week. Our dedicated team of staff, volunteers, donors, business executives, corporate volunteers and religious leaders came together with families to help them build and own homes, lifting them up in the process.

Many involved with Habitat for Humanity Detroit, including us, had volunteered with President Carter in different countries. He was well aware of the power of his name, and willingly offered it along with his volunteer service. As we recall, it was President Carter who suggested to Habitat International that the 2005 Habitat for Humanity build should take place in Michigan, specifically in Detroit, Benton Harbor and Windsor, Canada. He chose Benton Harbor because he had witnessed the civil unrest there and wanted to heal the divide by bringing people together to build homes for those in need. Detroit opted to build 30 homes in the Core City Neighborhood, a place chosen for its strong community involvement.

As is customary, we hosted a fundraising event to thank donors and welcome guests. The atmosphere was electric, but it was President Carter who set the tone. Despite having Secret Service agents around him, they were unobtrusive. He approached us with a handshake and introduced himself simply: “Hello, I’m Jimmy Carter.” He mingled with the guests, posed for photos, and when the program began, we had to adjust the schedule to accommodate local politicians who were in a hurry. In contrast, President Carter stayed until the end.

True to form, he explained to the audience that he was in Detroit, Benton Harbor and Windsor to volunteer. He and his team would be building homes, and if possible, he preferred not to be disturbed while working. Those of us who had traveled abroad with him knew the protocol and ensured it was followed.

Like all volunteers, President Carter began his day by holding hands with the family whose house he was building and then started hammering. Each house had a leader, sub-leaders and volunteers. His team was a mix of skilled carpenters and volunteers, many of whom had never held a hammer before. Since the build was spread across three locations, President Carter divided his time between Detroit, Benton Harbor and Windsor. While on-site, he worked alongside his team, including members of his family who mirrored his work ethic. Volunteers came from all over the world to participate in the Jimmy Carter Build, including the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem and several bishops. When his work was done, he visited each construction site, posing for pictures with volunteers who were thrilled to work alongside him.

President Carter was not an ordinary man or political leader — he was a servant leader who led by example. He was a man of deep conviction, dedicated to building a peaceful, healthy and safe world for all. As president, he was ahead of his time, but more importantly, he redefined what it means to be a humanitarian. 

His accomplishments are too numerous to list, but for those of us fortunate enough to meet and work with him, we aspire to follow in his footsteps by serving and healing the world. He was a rare human being, a great American who will be deeply missed. More importantly, he will be remembered as a humble, honorable and powerful example of all that is great about America.

John E. Mogk

The writer is a former chairman of Habitat for Humanity Detroit Former HFHD Chairman

Terrry Ahwal

The writer is a former president of Habitat for Humanity Detroit Former HFHD Chairman

Rob Dewaelsche

The writer is a former executive director of Habitat for Humanity Detroit