A South Bend family is working on building their new home with Habitat for Humanity’s Carter Work Project, spearheaded by former President Jimmy Carter, who was in town to help with the house on Monday. Also in South Bend this week to do some work on the home was Garth Brooks. The country superstar took a break from the work Monday afternoon to talk to reporters at Notre Dame Stadium about his upcoming October concert, and started his remarks by referencing his dirt-covered jeans and work boots.
“Let me apologize for this,” said Brooks, waving at his clothing. “We’re across town on the Carter Project for Habitat.”
Brooks added he and wife Trisha Yearwood always do work on Carter Houses and had high praise for the 39th President and former First Lady Rosalyn Carter.
“If anybody thinks that the Carters show up for the pictures and leave, you don’t know these two people. They work harder than anybody,” said Brooks. “He was out there today just going and going, and she’s right there with him.”
As part of his connection to the area, Brooks also talked about meeting Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County’s Jim Williams on a build in Haiti when they were nailing up a tin roof years ago in 115-degree heat.
“And I go, ‘hey man, I know this is crazy, but can I give you my cell number?’ And we just became buddies. Good guy. So he’s heading up the build here. This was his dream to get this done, and this was over a decade ago, so I’m proud that he’s pulled this off.”
Williams also talked to our partners at WNDU NewsCenter 16 at the build site.
“The eyes of the world are on Mishawaka, on St. Joseph County, and we’ve got some of the most energetic, motivated volunteers you’re going to find anywhere,” said Williams.
Brooks says his earlier connection to Notre Dame was being a fan during the Joe Montana days when he was a kid. He will be the first artist to perform a concert at the football stadium in its 87-year history when he takes the stage on October 20.
