‘Real down to earth’: Houstonians who built 100 Habitat homes with Jimmy Carter remember him fondly

HOUSTON, Texas. Some District 5 homeowners fondly remember working alongside President Jimmy Carter 25 years ago when Habitat For Humanity built 100 homes in Houston in a week.

Wade and Shalina Gibson are among the first homeowners who still live on Hillsborough Street.

Habitat homeowners have a hands-on role in the construction of their homes, which is why the Gibsons and other Houston residents worked side by side with Jimmy and Roselyn Carter on a massive project in 1998.

“He made us laugh, smile, and when it was time to get serious, time to work, we got to work,” recalled the homeowner Wade Gibson. “He was a real down to earth person, he and his wife loved them to death.”

The Carters began volunteering at Habitat for Humanity in 1984, a couple of years after they left the White House, and have continued to work until 2020.

“The main lesson is: keep giving, keep loving, keep helping each other,” Wade said. “And spread love and do your best to help people.”

Like other neighbors, the Gibson family cherishes photographs and other materials related to their experience.

“I was so happy and happy that I have my own home,” neighbor Cheryl Crenshaw said.

She remembered the Carters like it was yesterday.

“They just came here with open arms, you know, they took pictures with us, they did things with us, they showed us things, they talked to us,” Crenshaw said. “You know they did everything.”

Carter’s other visits to Houston may have involved politics or peacekeeping. But the spirit of his post-presidency will never be forgotten by these Houstonians.

They were saddened to learn that President Carter was admitted to hospice care at the age of 98.

“Bless the whole family,” Gibson said. “You have received prayers from all of us.”

The Houston Habitat for Humanity released a statement on Saturday following news that former President Carter was admitted to hospice.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with President and Mrs. Carter and their family, and we hope that the family will be surrounded by love and peace during this challenging time.”

“We have great memories in Houston of working side by side with Carter to build 100 Habitat Houston Homes in one week in 1998. Some of these homeowners are deeply proud that their home was built by Carter.”