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US sues NY state officials over immigration enforcement; NM's national monuments face new development threats from Trump; NC community colleges get 'boost' to bring more students to high-demand jobs; Trump's resignation plan for federal workers can move forward; Advocates push for program to decrease wildlife collisions in VA.

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Deregulation raises environmental and public health concerns, national monuments face potential risks, political neutrality in education sparks protests, and Tulsi Gabbard's confirmation fuels controversy.

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Rural America struggles with opioids and homelessness in unexpected ways, Colorado's Lariat Ditch could help spur local recreation, and book deliveries revive rural communities hit by Hurricane Helene.

Jimmy Carter’s lasting impact on Milwaukee

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Tuesday, January 7, 2025   

As the world continues to reflect on the life and legacy of former President Jimmy Carter during the nation's memorial observation, his influence has a special connection to Wisconsin.

The effects of the Carters' trip to Milwaukee to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity in June 1989 are still being felt today.

Brian Sonderman, CEO of Milwaukee Habitat for Humanity, said their office was just five years old then, with an all-volunteer staff who had yet to build a home from the ground up.

"The former President and first lady came to Milwaukee, mobilized over a thousand volunteers, built six brand-new homes, completed them in one week, as well as doing eight rehabbed homes in the Walnut Hill neighborhood of Milwaukee," Sonderman recounted. "To say that this put Milwaukee Habitat on the map is an understatement."

Sonderman said since then, they receive hundreds of volunteers each year and many credit their interest in Habitat for Humanity to the Carters. Just last year, the Milwaukee office built more than 30 homes and rehabbed more than 100 others. Sonderman added their impact never would have been possible without Jimmy Carter.

Sonderman remembered Carter and his wife Rosalynn not only brought their gusto to the worksite but their humility and compassion as well. The trip almost was not a success due to rainy weather, which threatened to derail the project but Carter took to the news stations to appeal to roofers in the area. Sonderman recalled they showed up in droves in response and completed the roofing for all six homes in one day.

"He said on more than one occasion that his faith demanded that he do what he did," Sonderman explained. "I think that's a great example for those people of faith, to not only talk about it with their words, but to put their faith into action."

Sonderman added Carter found it in Habitat for Humanity by serving his neighbor and loving them as himself. Carter will lie in state at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda in Washington, D.C., until his funeral on Thursday, which has been declared a National Day of Mourning.


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