The sound of hammers echoed through Langston Park as volunteers and future homeowners collaborated to construct 24 new homes in the Sylvan Hills neighborhood of Southwest Atlanta. This effort was part of the 2026 Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project, marking Habitat for Humanity’s 50th anniversary and the 40th anniversary of the Carter Work Project.
Held from May 3-8, the project aimed to expand affordable homeownership opportunities in a city where housing costs are rising. Atlanta last hosted the Carter Work Project in 1988, and this year’s event brought together volunteers, future homeowners, and community partners to address the urgent need for affordable housing.
Rosalyn Merrick, CEO of Atlanta Habitat for Humanity, emphasized the project’s significance, stating, “It demonstrates the power of community. When we can come together under a shared purpose, a shared focus, a shared urgency, we can achieve something really incredible.”
For future homeowner Ozzie Herrera, the project was a personal journey. Having moved to Atlanta from Florida, Herrera sought diversity and connection but found rising rents challenging. Encouraged by a coworker, he applied for Habitat for Humanity and now sees homeownership as a way to remain part of Atlanta’s future.
Volunteers from across the country, like Scott Craven from Detroit, contributed to the build. Craven, a long-time Habitat volunteer, highlighted the importance of constructing homes near transit and community resources, ensuring they are integrated into the community.
The legacy of the late President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter was central to the project. Their son, Chip Carter, reflected on the impact of the work, noting the joy of families seeing their future homes.
As tools were packed away at the end of the week, the project left a lasting impact, offering families like Herrera’s the opportunity to secure a stable future in Atlanta. Those interested in volunteering or applying for a home can visit Atlanta Habitat for Humanity’s website for more information.
Original reporting: SaportaReport — read the source article.
