Community Activities
Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County and the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project
The 35th Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project took place August 26-31, 2018 in both Mishawaka and South Bend, Indiana. In addition to Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County, local Habitat chapters from across Indiana and the Midwest completed construction projects inspired by the former President and First Lady. Their legacy continues to grow as they seek to raise awareness of the need for decent, affordable housing. This project included 23 new homes in Mishawaka, six new homes in South Bend, along with 12 rehabilitated or repaired homes in both cities. Thousands of volunteers from around the world came together for one goal—to build strength, stability, and independence through shelter.
Carleton Associate, Ken Chambers was an active participant and worked all five days of the week-long event. Ken became involved with Habitat for Humanity after Hurricane Katrina in 2005, when he went to New Orleans to help that community rebuild. During his participation in the Carter Work Project, Ken's efforts were primarily dedicated to constructing house #7, a home belonging to a single mother and her son. Ken can be seen in the second picture with President Carter (below). He and other volunteer members are looking on as President Carter meets Kimberly, the owner of the home. Alongside former president Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn were special guests: David Letterman, Eric Paslay, Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, Mayor Dave Wood of Mishawaka, Mayor Pete Buttigieg of South Bend, and Notre Dame Women's Basketball Head Coach, Muffet McGraw. Even though these national and local celebrities are widely known, they volunteered right alongside hundreds of others to come together for Habitat's common goal.
