For the first time since 1988, Atlanta is set to host Habitat for Humanity’s renowned Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project.
Known as the ‘world’s largest building blitz,’ this annual event attracts thousands of volunteers who come together to construct homes in a different city each year.
Scheduled for May 3-8, an estimated 2,000 volunteers will descend upon the Sylvan Hills neighborhood to build 24 homes as part of the Atlanta Habitat for Humanity Langston Park development.
This occasion marks a significant milestone for Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. In 1988, the Carters participated in the construction of 21 homes in the Edgewood neighborhood, many of which continue to serve as family residences today.
Notably, residents like Sally Mae Hollis still refer to these homes affectionately as ‘Jimmy’s House.’
Since the inception of this initiative, President Jimmy Carter and Rosalynn Carter, assisted by over 108,000 volunteers from around the globe, have worked to build more than 4,400 homes.
In recent years, this impactful project has taken place in cities such as Charlotte, Nashville, and Memphis, with the 2025 event already scheduled for Austin.
Rosalyn Merrick, President and CEO of Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming project, stating, “We’re excited to have the project come back and transform our city, just as it has these cities in the past years.”
Preparations for this large-scale endeavor are well underway, with local Habitat for Humanity representatives identifying that in just 270 days, they will need to secure funding for the entire project.
This development represents the nonprofit’s first attempt at creating a densely planned community.
Merrick detailed that the Langston Park master plan will span eight acres and include a total of 68 homes; 40 of these will be townhomes, 18 will consist of duplexes, and 10 will be single-family houses.
The Carter Work Project specifically aims to assist in the construction of the initial 24 homes.
Merrick mentioned that the local chapter aspires to complete the remaining construction within the next three years.
However, the financial requirements for such an extensive project are considerable.
During an August 5 luncheon, the Atlanta Habitat for Humanity team announced a fundraising goal of $10 million to cover the costs associated with this large-scale effort.
This financial plan allocates approximately $2.5 million for site development, $6 million toward construction, and $1.5 million for mobilizing over 2,000 volunteers.
The volunteering cohort typically includes a mixture of corporate sponsors, local workers, and dedicated ‘fan club’ members who follow the Carter Work Project around the world.
Merrick pointed out that the influx of volunteers will coincide with global attention on Atlanta, especially with significant events like the FIFA World Cup scheduled for 2026.
She remarked, “What a great opportunity to welcome the world with this amazing development moment.
It also gives us an opportunity to showcase our muscles, our innovation plans for the future, and what affordable home ownership can look like everywhere.”
Preparatory work for this construction project has been in the works since 2018, with Atlanta Habitat for Humanity leaders initiating outreach within the neighborhood.
Local barbecues and discussions allowed residents to express their needs concerning this project, ensuring community input in the development process.
Additionally, the nonprofit leveraged insights from earlier successful projects, such as Browns Mill Village, to inform their approach.
Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, was also present at the August 5 ‘Launch and Learn’ event at the Atlanta headquarters, where he elaborated on the decision to hold this year’s event in Atlanta, coinciding with Habitat for Humanity International’s 50th anniversary.
Reckford stated, “When we thought about our 50th year, we asked, where should the Carter project be?”
He emphasized Georgia’s historical significance to Habitat for Humanity, noting that the international nonprofit was founded in Americus and has enjoyed strong support from local leaders, including President Jimmy Carter.
Despite the challenges posed by rising land costs and a national housing crisis, Reckford highlighted the potential opportunities for innovative solutions in Atlanta.
He concluded, “This is our global headquarters, and we thought, how fitting for Habitat’s 50th anniversary to be in our hometown.”
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