Former President Jimmy Carter was in the news recently showing his passion for helping others. He has been an active volunteer with Habitat for Humanity since 1984 and continues to this day. The 95-year-old took part in a Habitat for Humanity build on Monday, October 7, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee after falling at home the night before. He showed up to help with a black eye and 14 stitches. According to Stephen Sorace with Fox News, “Carter feels that ‘God gives us life and freedom and with that freedom, everyone can make a basic decision as to what kind of a person they choose to be,’ but he encourages all to help others.”

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that builds houses for the needy with the help of volunteers in the community. They depend on financial donations to fund their work. An international board of directors oversees the work of Habitat for Humanity. Their vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. For anyone wanting to get involved and make a difference, this is a great place to start. It is a global organization located in local communities in all fifty states as well as more than seventy countries around the world. Texarkana has an active local chapter.

Habitat for Humanity makes the application process easy. Any family in need of affordable housing, regardless of race or religion, can apply through their local Habitat for Humanity. Each local chapter has a selection committee who chooses homeowners based on their level of need, willingness to partner with Habitat, and ability to repay a mortgage through an affordable payment plan. Homeowners take an active part in the building process working alongside volunteers. They also receive financial education to teach them how to manage their money.

Everyone is in need at some point in their lives to some degree and it is our duty to step up and help. For anyone wanting to donate or get involved, call the Texarkana Habitat for Humanity chapter at 903-832-1746 or visit their website.