Here’s what people remember when President Carter ‘came here to work’ in 2000 HabiJax blitz

Jacksonville: Back in September 2000, it was a scorcher of a day when former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, rolled up their sleeves to help build homes with HabiJax, the local Habitat for Humanity group. They were part of the 17th annual Jimmy Carter Work Project, which had them busy for a week, building homes for families in need.

The project kicked off in Harlem, New York, where they celebrated the milestone of the 100,000th Habitat house. Then they wrapped things up in Plains, Georgia, Carter’s hometown. But the Jacksonville build was a big deal, taking place in the Fairway Oaks neighborhood. Fast forward 17 years, and some residents were unhappy, claiming their homes were built on a former dump. HabiJax and city officials strongly denied those claims.

On the eighth day of the project, the Carters showed up, along with Jack Kemp, who was the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development at the time. They got right to work, framing and siding homes, showing everyone that they were there to get their hands dirty.

Before leaving, Carter shared some heartfelt words with the crowd, calling the experience a “blessing.” He expressed gratitude for the chance to work alongside everyone and emphasized the joy of building homes for families. Sadly, Carter passed away at 100, and Rosalynn followed in November 2023 at 96, after nearly 77 years of marriage.

Many local volunteers were there that day, and as the Times-Union reached out to some of them, they shared their fond memories of working alongside the Carters. Former Mayor John Delaney recalled how Jimmy was all about getting to work, even in the sweltering heat. He described Rosalynn as friendly and chatty, while Jimmy was more straightforward, ready to hammer away rather than chat.

Randy Evans, who was involved with HabiJax, remembered how competitive Carter was, wanting to be the first to raise the walls of the house. He noted how both Carters were committed to the cause, working hard alongside volunteers and showing their dedication to affordable housing.

Longtime volunteer Jim Meyers shared that he was part of a church group and spent the day on a roof installation, feeling inspired by Carter’s post-presidency work. Jackie Jones, another HabiJax board member, described the Carters as hardworking and humble, focused on the task at hand rather than socializing.

Jon Galbraith, who coordinated volunteer efforts, remembered the excitement in the community during the project. He admired how the Carters interacted with everyone, showing genuine care and appreciation for the volunteers. Many people reflected on how Carter’s legacy extended far beyond his presidency, highlighting his commitment to humanitarian efforts.

It was a day that left a mark on Jacksonville, showcasing the spirit of community and the importance of helping others. The Carters truly embodied the values of service and compassion, and their impact continues to be felt today.