I often jest with my colleagues on the board of directors of Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County that I have never worked for an organization with “love” in its mission statement … until now. Our affiliate’s mission calls upon us to seek to put God’s love into action. Not a small order, but it permeates much of the spirit and labors of our work throughout our communities.

As we mourn the loss of an extraordinary president and human being, we have all become reacquainted with what Jimmy Carter gave to our nation and the world. His grandson, Jason, said in a recent interview that if he was to sum up in one word what best defined his grandfather, it would be “love.” Not just in his work, post-presidency, in peace negotiations, world health, human rights, and affordable housing, but in how he approached his work as president. I would hazard to guess that of the 46 U.S. presidents that have held the office, few would assume that moniker.

I can testify that in my year in the Clinton White House, even a very personable leader like Bill Clinton would have escaped that characterization of affection — at least in a positive sense.

I was reminded of Carter’s legacy after he passed in re-reading his “Crisis of Confidence” speech from 1979 — often referred to as the “Malaise Speech.” While it was initially received positively, it soon became what many felt was our president’s own crisis of confidence.

Ironically, in many respects, it was a love letter to the American people. Instead of cranking out another set of energy crisis policy admonitions, he chose to reach deeper into what he believed was the true threat to our democracy: a crisis of faith in each other and in our future together. President Carter believed that a way out of the crisis was greater participation by its citizens. I remember small steps he advocated, like turning down our thermostats and wearing warmer clothes inside. Small steps but ones that made you feel you were part of a greater whole.

I am reminded in this way about Habitat’s commitment to “sweat equity” in home ownership, in community partnerships and sponsorship investments, and a volunteer foundation to everything it builds. This unique participation creates hope and strength that endures long after the house is constructed. Habitat is committed not only to building affordable housing but in creating community — as our mission tells us, putting love into action. In President Carter’s words from the Crisis speech it forges “the path of common purpose and the restoration of American values.”

From1984 on, both President and Mrs. Carter were champions and groundbreaking voices for affordable, decent housing for all, donating their time and leadership each year to build and improve homes through Habitat’s Carter Work Project. Over the course of more than 35 years, they worked alongside nearly 104,000 volunteers in 14 countries to build, renovate and repair nearly 4,400 homes. 

They inspired millions across the globe with their dedication and rallied thousands of volunteers and even celebrities to take part in our mission, helping Habitat for Humanity become internationally recognized for our work to build decent and affordable housing.

President Carter was no stranger to service and Habitat’s mission. As he noted, “This concept of service to others is still a crucial element in the American character and has always prevailed in overcoming challenges and correcting societal mistakes.”

“Habitat 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.”

The Carters and Habitat have long shared a common bond in a love for neighbor and a commitment to building stronger communities.

Habitat for Humanity’s East Jefferson County affiliate was founded in 1998 and has to date built and renovated more than 100 affordable homes for the community — and constructed over 100 homes worldwide. We intend to double the annual build (from five homes in 2022) going forward and continue to play a leading role in meeting the need for affordable housing in East Jefferson County.

The East Jefferson County affiliate seeks ideas for how we can honor the former president and has established a special email address for that purpose, cartermemorial@habitatejc.org. Additionally, we will join other affiliates across the world in constructing memorial doors. They will represent the countless doors of opportunity the Carters opened. The local memorial door will be placed at the Habitat Store, 2001 West Sims Way, and community members are invited to stop in to sign and celebrate the Carters’ legacies.

Brian Cullin is a resident of Port Townsend and a board director at Habitat for Humanity of East Jefferson County. He served as an Assistant White House Press Secretary (Foreign Affairs) to the Clinton White House.