Jacques Charles, 64, of Bridgeport has spent almost three decades working for Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County and says "the absolute highlight" of his career was getting to know Jimmy Carter personally.

"I first met President Carter in 2010 when I flew to Atlanta as part of a mission to help my homeland, Haiti, rebuild after the big earthquake we had there in 2010," Charles said Monday.

"The former president was humble and happy in his work, and that's not something you see every day -- a former U.S. president rolling up his sleeves and getting his hands dirty helping others," Charles said.

Carolyn Vermont, who heads up the local Habitat, says she's mindful of Carter's legacy every time she welcomes a family into a new home.

"I tell people about President Carter all the time -- about the amazing contributions he has made to our communities. His death is sad, but he accomplished so much in 100 years. Not many people get to say that. He was a great man and he leaves behind a great legacy," Vermont said.