FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Dec 30, 2024

WASHINGTON, DC—To honor the life and legacy of former President Jimmy Carter, AmeriCorps CEO Michael D. Smith released the following statement:

“Our nation has lost a public servant who symbolizes American integrity and compassion. Former President Jimmy Carter’s life was defined by service. He served honorably as a submariner in the US Navy, as Governor of Georgia, and in the Oval Office; he was a tireless champion for the nation.

“Even after his presidency, President Carter continued to put our communities first. For decades, he and Mrs. Carter inspired us as faithful volunteers for AmeriCorps’ partner Habitat for Humanity. 

“In September 1984, the Carters led a group of Habitat for Humanity volunteers to New York, building alongside 19 families in need of safe, affordable housing. This event became the inaugural Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project, which is now a weeklong event taking place in a different location all over the world each year.

Jimmy Carter, Bill Clinton, and George Bush.

“In 2008, the Carter Work Project was hosted in the Gulf Coast as part of the response to Hurricane Katrina. More than 2,000 volunteers, including more than 500 AmeriCorps members, supported 250 families to rebuild after the destruction of the storm. They constructed new homes and participated in a ‘wall blitz’ where walls were assembled for future homes. 

“President Carter said, ‘Habitat for Humanity provides a simple but powerful avenue for people of different backgrounds to come together to achieve those most meaningful things in life. A decent home, yes, but also a genuine bond with our fellow human beings. A bond that comes with the building up of walls and the breaking down of barriers.’

“His quote rings true for national service. AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers continue to follow in President Carter’s footsteps, providing support, breaking down barriers and building bridges in communities nationwide.

“The national service community will deeply miss President Jimmy Carter, but his service lives on in the countless Americans who continue to volunteer for their communities and serve their country. Our heartfelt sympathies are with the Carter family and all of his loved ones. Generations of Americans will continue to be inspired by his patriotism, courage, humanity and exemplary life of service. AmeriCorps is honored to help carry his torch forward in this important work.”

AmeriCorps, the federal agency for national service and volunteerism, provides opportunities for Americans to serve their country domestically, address the nation’s most pressing challenges, improve lives and communities, and strengthen civic engagement. Each year, the agency places more than 200,000 AmeriCorps members and AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers in intensive service roles; and empowers millions more to serve as long-term, short-term, or one-time volunteers. Learn more at AmeriCorps.gov.

AmeriCorps offers opportunities for individuals of all backgrounds to be a part of the national service community, grow personally and professionally, and receive benefits for their service. Learn how to get involved at AmeriCorps.gov/Serve.