As Habitat for Humanity continues to shape communities and uplift families, the legacy of its most renowned supporter, former President Jimmy Carter, resonates throughout our local community. Founded in 1976, Habitat for Humanity has helped over 59 million people by providing decent, affordable housing. The nonprofit assists families worldwide and throughout Northern Virginia. Through continued dedication to affordable housing, Habitat DC-NOVA has built and renovated hundreds of homes across Northern Virginia.
The powerful, life-changing work of Habitat for Humanity was born out of the vision of the organization’s founders Millard and Linda Fuller. In the late 1960s, after becoming self-made millionaires, the couple sold all their possessions and moved to an interracial community farm in Georgia built upon a commitment to equality. At the Koinonia farm, the Fuller couple developed the idea of partnership housing, which believed affordable houses could be built through volunteers and fundraising efforts.
Former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosylan deeply admired Habitat for Humanity’s innovative model, which reflected their own vision of partnership, equality, and community involvement. The Carter’s tirelessly advocated for the organization created the Jimmy Carter Work Project in 1984.
In addition to building homes, Habitat’s commitment to advocacy and sustainability echoes Carter’s principles. The organization promotes policy reforms to enhance affordable housing accessibility while ensuring that new homes are built with sustainable practices that benefit future generations.
Through Habitat for Humanity’s mission, residents receive a home and become part of a cooperative effort that enriches their neighborhoods. Each homeowner contributes by building their future residences, fostering a sense of ownership and pride.
Habitat DC-NOVA has built over 300 houses since its founding in 1988, and it plans to build nearly 70 homes over the next five years. This initiative aims to address the critical shortage of affordable housing in the area.
The spirit of collaboration permeates every project, with local businesses, volunteers, and community members rallying to support Habitat’s missions. Participating in these projects has become a cherished tradition for many in the Northern Virginia community, reflecting the shared belief that everyone deserves a decent place to live.
As Habitat for Humanity forges ahead, its work is a powerful reminder that through collective effort, every nail-driven wall raised helps build homes and nurtures a thriving community for all.
To further learn about about Habitat for Humanity, please visit: https://www.habitat.org/ or to better engage with the local work of Habitat DC-NOVA, please visit: https://www.habitatdcnova.org/