UPDATE: Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts (NCM) held a powerful rally in Ayer, MA, honoring the late President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter. This event, part of the 39th annual Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, emphasized the enduring legacy of the Carters and the urgent need for affordable housing solutions.
The rally took place last month, marking the first significant project since President Carter’s passing. Thousands of volunteers across the country have rallied together to further Habitat’s mission, showcasing the profound impact of affordable homeownership on families nationwide.
The very first Carter Work Project launched in the fall of 1984, when the Carters joined volunteers to renovate the Mascot Flats apartment building in New York City. Their efforts helped create essential affordable housing opportunities, leading to the recent renaming of East 6th Street between Avenues C & D as Jimmy Carter Way in recognition of their contributions.
During the weeklong event, Habitat for Humanity NCM hosted a special lunch at the Ayer build site to celebrate the Carters’ legacy. Local leaders, students, and volunteers gathered to pay tribute to the couple’s extraordinary commitment to service and community building.
Carolyn Read, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity NCM, expressed heartfelt gratitude during the event, stating, “Today, we come together to honor President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter, two remarkable individuals whose lives have embodied the very mission of Habitat for Humanity.”
She emphasized that the Carters’ work transcended mere construction, stating, “It’s about creating hope, dignity, and belonging. It’s about giving families a foundation from which they can grow and thrive.” Read’s remarks resonated deeply with attendees, highlighting the ongoing importance of their mission.
The rally not only served as a commemoration but also as a call to action. Habitat for Humanity NCM aims to provide a hand up to hard-working, low-income families in North Central Massachusetts seeking affordable homeownership. Through volunteer efforts and donations, the organization continues to build and rehabilitate homes, impacting families’ lives directly.
Additionally, the Habitat NCM ReStore, which raises funds by selling discounted building materials and furniture, is relocating to a new location at 650 North Main St., with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for December 11. The current location at 637 Lancaster St. will remain open until the end of November.
As Habitat for Humanity NCM moves forward, the spirit of Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter continues to inspire community members to work towards a future where every family has a safe and affordable place to call home. The rally underscored the notion that building homes is not just about structures but about fostering communities and nurturing hope.
Stay tuned for more updates as Habitat for Humanity NCM pushes forward with its mission, continuing to honor the Carters’ legacy while changing lives one home at a time.
