PORT AU PRINCE, Haiti — Former United States president Jimmy Carter and his wife have joined volunteers from across the world in building 100 homes for residents in Leogane, 18 miles south of the capital, and which took the brunt of the powerful earthquake in 2010 that killed an estimated 300,000 people and left more than a million others homeless.

The Carters are joining the 29th annual Habitat for Humanity International project where volunteers are helping to construct the homes throughout the course of the week.

Last year 100 homes were built during the Carter Work Project, and an additional 50 homes were built in the community by volunteers from the Irish non-profit, Haven.

"We were both deeply moved by the experience in a country we have known and loved for years. We have a deep personal investment in the future of Haiti and are happy to be building 100 homes in Leogane again this year," Carter said.

Chief executive officer for Habitat for Humanity International Jonathan Reckford said “even though nearly three years have passed since the 2010 earthquake, there remains a dire need for adequate shelter in Haiti for many who were displaced from their homes, so we are bringing the Carter Work Project back to Leogane to help more families and to raise awareness of the ongoing efforts to rebuild lives.

“We sincerely thank all the volunteers, sponsors and especially the Carters for their dedication to improving the lives of our Haitian partner families who are eager to have safe, decent homes."

Each year since 1984, President and Mrs Carter have volunteered with Habitat for Humanity for one week, building homes and hope in 14 countries around the world and providing inspiration to millions of people around the world who share Habitat's vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

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