With the passing of Jimmy Carter, Habitat for Humanity lost their greatest advocate. But his greatness was attained not only through what he did, but, also, by what he didn't do.

I began as the executive director of Cumberland Valley Habitat for Humanity in the fall of 2005. At that time, Habitat was engrossed in the Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts. Internally, though, Habitat was in the midst of a significant scandal involving its founder, Millard Fuller. Mr. Fuller was accused of sexual harassment, and was still strongly involved with the organization that he founded. He was asked to resign, but did not go quietly. This didn't get as much press as the Katrina efforts, so not a lot of people knew this was going on.

As Habitat's most famous volunteers, President & Mrs. Carter could have done or said a multitude of things that would have made the organization's future questionable. They could have defended Mr. Fuller. They could have stopped volunteering. They could have made a negative statement to the press. They did none of these things. They just continued working as volunteers to promote affordable home ownership for low income American families. 

I never met or had an audience with President Carter. But I do remember this about my formative months within the organization: his Christian faith provided him the wisdom that is required of great leaders. And that the work and mission are more important than any one person. 

So although American History texts will not remember him as one of the greatest American Presidents, his advocacy, writings, speeches, negotiations, teachings, and volunteering will land him as one of America's greatest international humanitarians. Habitat cannot thank him enough for all that he did (and didn't do) for our mission. 

                                                    --Jerry Nichols, Executive Director

                                                    Cumberland Valley Habitat for Humanity