MEXICO CITY – Habitat for Humanity International is now accepting online applications for the Jimmy Carter Work Project 2004, which will be held on October 24-29, in Puebla and Veracruz, Mexico in efforts to build 150 homes for low-income families in those cities.

Habitat encourages churches, companies, and organizations to support this international event by sponsoring one or more of the homes, donating money and construction materials and by volunteering their time during the project.

"The Jimmy Carter Work Project provides a wonderful opportunity to partner with people in need to build simple, decent and affordable shelter," said former President Carter. "Mexico is not unlike any other country in its commitment to make sure each person has a simple, decent place to live. This project will bring people from all over the world together to work side-by-side with 150 Mexican families in need."

"Habitat for Humanity is excited about the opportunity for Mexican families and volunteers from all across the world to personally benefit through participating in the Jimmy Carter Work Project," said Millard Fuller, the founder of Habitat for Humanity. "Habitat for Humanity Mexico has been very successful, building more than 13,000 homes since 1989, and positively affecting the lives of 65,000 Mexicans. We encourage people throughout Mexico, Latin America and the world to join us in making a difference for families in need."

"Being aware of the housing shortage in Mexico, I admire the fact that an organization such as Habitat for Humanity International and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, Jimmy Carter are interested in participating in solving this problem," said Maria Luisa Barrera de Serna, president of directors for the Mexican Center for Philanthropy.

"Having the Jimmy Carter Work Project 2004 in Mexico represents a great opportunity for strengthening and promoting, locally and internationally, the work of Habitat for Humanity," said Sabas Cruz, president of the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity Mexico.

The Jimmy Carter Work Project 2004 will bring together 4,000 Mexican and international volunteers, including former President Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, to build 150 Habitat for Humanity homes in one week. This year’s project marks the 21st year the Carters have built Habitat for Humanity homes for the poor families in different countries such as the Phillippines, Hungary, South Korea, South Africa, including the U.S.