Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County joins 39th Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project via new “Rural Rally” across America

Rocky Mount (September 30, 2025) — This fall, Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County will take part in Habitat for Humanity International’s first-ever Rural Rally. The initiative will highlight the need for affordable housing in rural America and will be included as part of the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project.   

The Carter Work Project is Habitat’s flagship build honoring the profound impact President and Mrs. Carter had on Habitat for Humanity’s mission worldwide. This year’s Carter Work Project will take place during the last week of October, bringing together thousands of volunteers to build 25 homes on the east side of Austin, Texas. 

Alongside the project’s signature large-scale build, the new Rural Rally component will support home builds and rehabs in more than 60 rural communities, stretching across at least 20 states and all regions of the U.S. 

Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County will join the Rural Rally by dedicating our 27th home, located at 505 Circle View Street in Rocky Mount, on Saturday, October 11th at 11:00am. This is a celebration of the hard work put in by our partner family and the volunteers that help Habitat make affordable homeownership possible. Everyone is welcome!

In addition to the home dedication, Habitat staff and board members will be advocating for affordable housing policies at the local and state level during the last week of October. To get involved with the home dedication as a volunteer or sponsor, please reach Will Dubuisson at will@habitatfcva.org. 

While fast-growing urban areas receive much attention regarding the national housing crisis, rural America is often overlooked. One out of every four rural households spend more than 30% of their monthly income on housing. 

“Many of our Franklin County neighbors are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed. These are working class families struggling every day to make ends meet.  In Franklin County, 40% of our neighbors are part of this statistic, which means there is a substantial need for affordable housing in Franklin County.  When last we checked, there were only 120 rent-subsidized apartments in the county, and all waitlists were closed for these units.  Only 28 homes were listed for less than $300,000 and estimated mortgage payment for those is $2,000/month.  Several of those are small condos at the lake and most are closer to the $300,000 amount. We are intentionally and strategically working each day to serve more families in Franklin County where the need is so great.  Your local Habitat affiliate is working hard each day to be sustainable for the long term and remain a vital part of our community.” – Sheila Overstreet, CEO & President.

With affiliates in cities and towns of all sizes across the United States, Habitat for Humanity acts as a bridge between urban, suburban and rural areas, working with communities and policymakers to find affordable housing solutions that work for all Americans.