Remembering President Jimmy Carter and his Impact on Monmouth County
January 6, 2025, Freehold, NJ: As we reflect on the life and legacy of former President Jimmy Carter – a champion of compassion, service, and humanity – we are thankful for the many years he and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, dedicated to furthering the mission of Habitat for Humanity.
The Carters had a long-standing involvement with Monmouth Habitat – the couple visited our area multiple times to participate in home-building projects and to meet with local volunteers and families. During one of the darkest times in our community’s history – after the devastation of Superstorm Sandy – former President Carter and his wife Rosalynn joined Monmouth Habitat in Union Beach, NJ, to help rebuild homes and restore hope. Former President Carter and Rosalynn Carter worked alongside Monmouth Habitat volunteers in October 2013, framing walls, raising roofs, and bringing comfort to families who had lost so much.
Former Monmouth Habitat Board President, and current volunteer, Nancy Doran, reflected fondly on the amount of attention and care Carter and his wife Rosalynn put into their work to support the organization’s mission. She shared, “We were so blessed to have President Carter build alongside us to rebuild from Superstorm Sandy. He brought hope to the whole area that was devastated. He brought the town back to life.”
Jim Doran, Nancy’s husband who volunteered alongside President Carter added, “Mr. Carter was an amazing man and a good carpenter – just a genuinely good person. “
Among the homes constructed was one for Elmer Lamberson, a veteran who had lived his entire life in Union Beach. His son, Elmer Lamberson Jr. told us, “President Carter’s work with Habitat gave so many families like ours a fresh start and a place to call home. His dedication and compassion helped to restore hope and dignity to my father after the devastation of Sandy.” The family shared that the experience gave their father a sense of dignity and allowed him and his beloved dogs to resume a normal life after living in temporary housing.
Today, Elmer Lamberson Jr. and his family reside in the home in Union Beach, continuing the legacy created by his father, the Carters, and the dedicated volunteers. This effort exemplifies the transformative power of compassion and collaboration, hallmarks of President Carter’s extraordinary life of service.
Monmouth Habitat’s Family Services Manager, Marianne Herring told us, “What set President and Rosalyn Carter apart from other civic and community leaders was their regular presence at Habitat build locations. Even in their later years, they showed up to swing a hammer alongside other volunteers.”
President Carter was not just a leader who advocated for change; he rolled his sleeves up and worked alongside volunteers, wielding a hammer with skill and dedication, embodying the hands-on spirit of service he so passionately believed in.
Carter’s contributions to Monmouth Habitat and across the country have been immeasurable. His passion for affordable housing has inspired countless individuals to get involved with Habitat for Humanity’s mission, and his hard work and dedication have helped to transform the lives of countless families.
As we remember former President Jimmy Carter, we are reminded not only of the homes he helped build but also of the lives he changed through his dedication to service. His belief that “to have a decent place to live is a basic human right” remains a call to action for all of us to continue his mission. The example he set – of humility, compassion, and hard work – leaves a legacy that will inspire future generations to lead with purpose and serve with heart.
Learn more about Monmouth County Habitat for Humanity’s affordable housing programs and how you can get involved:
Programs: https://monmouthhabitat.org/programs
Volunteer: https://monmouthhabitat.org/volunteer
Donate: https://monmouthhabitat.org/donate
