Habitat for Humanity is just one of the many public service efforts the Carter family has volunteered with throughout their lives.
Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity in Erie, Dr. Roche´ Vermaak, shares that former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, dedicated more than 35 years to the nonprofit. Vermaak says, “I think he is more regarded for what he did after his presidency.”
Carter worked on homes well into his 90s, contributing to the renovation of over 4,331 homes across 14 countries. Vermaak adds, “Imagine a 95-year-old coming to build, swinging a hammer in the cold and the heat, and just making a difference.”
Local Erie resident Victoria Flamio reminisces about her mother, Victoria Flamio-Hortsman, and her stepfather, who worked with the Carter family for decades. In her later years, Victoria’s mother settled in Erie, and upon leaving, she received a special pin from the Carter family in recognition of the work they had accomplished together.
Victoria said, “She went everywhere he went, they went from city to city. She did all the cooking with the First Lady for the President and the whole crew.”
Victoria shares her mother’s favorite memory of Jimmy Carter, recalling how genuine and humble he truly was. Victoria said, “He was a very down-to-earth person; everybody loved him. She said they would go to get a motel room, and if they couldn’t get one at the time, he would say, ‘Don’t worry about it, we’ll stay at the Y.’”
