Here's how Jimmy Carter helped one San Jose family fix up their first home
Here's how Jimmy Carter helped one San Jose family fix up their home
Tiruwork Leyew and her husband purchased a home through Habitat for Humanity back in 2013. That year, former President Carter and his wife Roslyn rolled up their sleeves and got to work on the family's home. KTVU's Tori Gaines reports from San Jose.
SAN JOSE, Calif. - Habitat for Humanity is hosting two tributes on Thursday to honor former President Jimmy Carter and his wife’s decades-long work with the organization. One family in San Jose who was able to buy a home through Habitat for Humanity in 2013 is attending that tribute to give thanks to the non-profit and the Carters.
The smell of freshly-roasted Ethiopian coffee beans greets every guest in this San Jose family’s home
Tiruwork Leyew and her husband purchased a home through Habitat for Humanity back in 2013. That year, former President Carter and his wife Roslyn rolled up their sleeves and got to work on the family's home.
"That’s why we always call this Jimmy Carter’s door," Leyew tells KTVU.
Leyew says she never thought she'd have an American president fixing up her front door.
"No, it’s impossible. It’s just a gift," she said.
President Carter and his wife Rosalynn were involved with Habitat for Humanity for over 30 years. The Carter Work Project, founded by the couple, helped more than 4,000 families find homes during that time.
It’s been more than ten years since the pair graced this San Jose doorstep, but their memory is ever present.
Carter and Rosalynn’s smiling faces overlook all family meals and celebrations, of which there are many.
"We have big community and family, we celebrate everything in the backyard…We are so happy we are blessed because of Jimmy Carter," Leyew said.
Now that the housing market is even tougher for most first-time buyers, Leyew encourages other folks like her to apply for Habitat for Humanity’s programs.
Leyew, originally from Ethiopia, says buying an affordable home in San Jose means she and her husband can save money for her two sons to head to college or buy a home. She is thankful that her family will benefit from the generosity of the Carters for generations
"Him and his wife, they don’t care about money, they don’t care about other things, they care about people," Leyew said.
For more information about Habitat for Humanity's programs, please visit the organization's website.