With every nail and piece of plywood, Habitat for Humanity volunteers build hope and an affordable foundation for families.

“It gives me great satisfaction to be able to give back,” said Geno Concepcion, who has participated in about 10 volunteer projects.

Concepcion donated his time Tuesday afternoon by helping Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia build four homes on North 40th Street in West Philly. He said part of his motivation to give back comes from former President Jimmy Carter. Carter spent more than 35 years rallying thousands of volunteers to help build affordable housing after leaving the White House.

“Seeing him continue to work even in the later stages of his life made me want to be able to do the same things,” Concepcion said.

This week, Habitat volunteers recorded a video of Carter being a happy 100th birthday as he marked the milestone moment.

“It’s amazing, to talk about a lifetime and a legacy of service is just absolutely remarkable,” said Corinne O’Connell, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia.

In 1988, former president and first lady Rosalynn Carter rolled up her sleeves and spent days in North Philly to help build a block of houses on Wilt Street with Habitat. Their community service has improved lives and helped Habitat homeowners achieve the American dream.

“Those homes on Wilt Street where the Carter Work Project took place are still owned by Habitat homeowners, and our office is right across the street,” O’Connell said.

The project on North 40th Street in West Philly has been in the works for a few years and is now called Rosalynn’s Way in in honor of the late Mrs. Carterwho has also advocated for affordable housing for decades. She died in November 2023 at the age of 96.

“These four homes, when sold to homeowners, will represent 280 homes that Habitat Philadelphia has built, which is remarkable,” O’Connell said.

Construction should be completed next summer.