Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood named inaugural Habitat Humanitarians

In celebration of Giving Tuesday, Habitat for Humanity will launch Habitat Humanitarians to recognize the invaluable contributions of its high-profile volunteers.

This generous group serves as mission champions, advocates and spokespeople to raise awareness of the need for decent, affordable shelter in the U.S. and around the world. The inaugural Habitat Humanitarians are former President Jimmy Carter, former first lady Rosalynn Carter and country music stars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.

Habitat Humanitarians is launching on Giving Tuesday as a reminder of the important contributions an individual can make in improving our world. On #GivingTuesday and through the holiday season, join the Habitat Humanitarians by pledging support of Habitat's work in helping families in need of affordable homes.

"Habitat Humanitarians honors influencers and ambassadors who exemplify extraordinary dedication to service in alignment with Habitat's vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live," said Jonathan Reckford, CEO, Habitat for Humanity International. "President and Mrs. Carter, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood have been dedicated volunteers and passionate voices on behalf of Habitat about the issue of affordable housing, and we are excited to celebrate their longtime support and service in this unique way."

Country music stars and longtime Habitat volunteers Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood have volunteered with Habitat for more than a decade. They first volunteered together with Habitat in New Orleans to help build the 1,000th and 1,001st post-Hurricane Katrina Habitat for Humanity home on the Gulf Coast. Brooks and Yearwood have lent their names and support to numerous Habitat events and projects, including the Carter Work Project and National Women Build Week.

"Garth and I are honored to be named Habitat Humanitarians, alongside President and Mrs. Carter," said Yearwood. "We have had the privilege of building Habitat houses with the Carters and Habitat homeowners and countless volunteers over the past 10 years. This important work offers a hand up to those in need of a decent place to call home and transforms the lives of all who touch it. We are proud to be able to do our part."

"Rosalynn and I couldn't think of anyone more deserving of this honor than our dear friends Trisha and Garth," said Carter. "We are pleased to congratulate them and look forward to working with them next July during the Carter Work Project in Canada."

Since 1984, President and Mrs. Carter have been champions and strong voices for affordable, decent housing for all, donating their time and leadership each year to build and improve homes through Habitat for Humanity's Carter Work Project. Over the course of more than 30 years, they have worked alongside nearly 100,000 volunteers in 14 countries to build, renovate and repair more than 4,000 homes, and inspired millions more through their dedication to the mission.

This holiday season, the public is asked to pledge their support of Habitat's mission. Every contribution can help Habitat homeowners build the strength, stability and independence they need to build a better life for themselves and their families.

To donate, visit habitat.org/GivingTuesday.

About Habitat for Humanity - Driven by the vision that everyone needs a decent place to live, Habitat for Humanity began in 1976 as a grassroots effort on a community farm in southern Georgia. The Christian housing organization has since grown to become a leading global nonprofit working in nearly 1,400 communities throughout the U.S. and in more than 70 countries. Families and individuals in need of a hand up partner with Habitat for Humanity to build or improve a place they can call home. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage. Through financial support, volunteering or adding a voice to support affordable housing, everyone can help families achieve the strength, stability and self-reliance they need to build better lives for themselves. Through shelter, we empower. To learn more, visit habitat.org.