Carter’s 1989 Milwaukee Visit Still Inspires Habitat for Humanity Volunteers

MILWAUKEE, Wis (WAUK) — As the nation mourns former President Jimmy Carter on Thursday, his enduring legacy with Habitat for Humanity is being remembered in Wisconsin.

In 1989, the Carters visited Milwaukee, supporting the local Habitat for Humanity chapter that had yet to build its first home.

Their visit mobilized 1,000 volunteers, resulting in six new homes and eight rehabilitated ones in the city’s Walnut Hill neighborhood.

Brian Sonderman, CEO of Milwaukee Habitat, recalls the Carters’ humility and compassion on the worksite. The project faced potential failure due to rainy weather, but Carter’s televised appeal for help brought local roofers in droves, completing all six roofs in a single day.

“He said on more than one occasion that his faith demanded that he do what he did,” Sonderman said. “It’s a great example for people of faith – to not only talk about it with their words but to put their faith into action.”

The Carters’ impact continues 35 years later. Sonderman notes that hundreds of volunteers each year credit their interest in Habitat to the Carters’ example. In 2024, Milwaukee Habitat built over 30 homes and rehabilitated more than 100 others. There are also active chapters in Racine and Kenosha.

Public News Service contributed to this report.