ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, Fla. — As the country mourns the death of former President Jimmy Carter, who passed away Sunday, his legacy is reflected outside the walls of the White House.

Carter was one of Habitat for Humanity’s most prolific volunteers, helping to build affordable housing with the organization for over 35 years. He also served as one of their board of directors from 1984 to 1987.

According to Habitat for Humanity, the former president helped renovate and build nearly 4,400 homes. Central Florida leaders of the organization shared that Carter’s commitment to affordable housing continues to impact the lives of thousands.

Penny Seater, CEO of Habitat for Humanity Seminole-Apopka, sees Jimmy Carter's influence every day when she goes to work.

“One of the basic human rights is housing. The right not only to have a place to live, but to have it be your own, which is a direct quote from President Carter,” said Seater, admiring a poster of him that hangs in her office “I think if more people were like President Carter, the world would be a better place to live in.”

She explained he was an inspiration to her, and she was sad to hear of his passing this weekend.

“I think that when somebody passes, I think it’s important to think about how do you keep their legacy alive and the best way to honor president carter and keep his legacy alive is to continue to build homes just like the one I’m standing in front of,” said Seater.

After leaving the White House, looking for ways to continue to serve, Carter and his wife Rosalynn first volunteered with Habitat for Humanity near their home in Southwest Georgia back in 1984.

“He was a peacemaker and Habitat’s most famous volunteer, and he had a belief that housing was critical to communities and to families and really lived that belief,” said Seater.

Later that year, the Carters started the Jimmy Carter Work Project, later renamed the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project, where they spent a week volunteering to improve houses in communities across the U.S. and the world. It is something he did well into his 90s.

“What was so heartwarming about, and such a great example about what the two of them did, was they worked very hard during that week,” said Seater. “They were not there for photo ops. They were there to put their money where their mouth was and I have personally some counterparts that worked alongside of him and he was very serious about getting in there and working just like everybody else and working pretty hard.”

She said his dedication and his passion for affordable housing really shaped the organization Habitat has become.

“That kind of set the tone for the culture of Habitat for Humanity,” said Seater.

Now that he is gone, Seater says his legacy lives on within this organization. She thinks one of the best ways someone can honor him is to help Habitat, and those less fortunate, thrive.

“What Habitat really does is offer a solution to the affordable housing crisis,” said Seater. “And so, whatever small part you play in that makes a difference for everyone in our community. “

Seater shared right now their office is still in their mourning period, but they will plan a memorial to the late president in the future.

To learn how to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, click here.