Habitat Philadelphia Honors Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia with Carter Builder Award

Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia is proud to honor Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) with the Carter Builder Award at the 2026 Building Hope Luncheon, recognizing CHOP’s extraordinary commitment to improving health outcomes through safe, stable housing. 

Named in honor of former President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, the Carter Builder Award celebrates partners who exemplify humility, service, and a shared belief that everyone deserves a safe, healthy place to call home. CHOP embodies that legacy through its long-standing partnership with Habitat Philadelphia—helping families remain safely housed while addressing the structural and environmental issues that can lead to long-term health problems. 

One in four children in West Philadelphia live with asthma. Through its CAPP+ Home Repairs Program—launched in 2018 as an extension of its Community Asthma Prevention Program (CAPP)—CHOP has partnered with Habitat Philadelphia and other repair agencies to tackle structural home repairs that target asthma triggers, such as mold, pest residue and dust.  

Hundreds of homes have been made safer and healthier by replacing and repairing roofs, fixing plumbing leaks, removing carpeting, and sealing holes and gaps to keep pests and water out. These repairs have reduced environmental health hazards, stabilized aging homes, and helped families avoid preventable emergency room visits. 

“I’ve seen first-hand the impact home repairs have on families’ lives,” said Tyra Bryant-Stephens, MD, Director and Founder of the CAPP program. “Many parents want to help their children breathe easier, but simply don’t have the tools or capacity to improve their home environment on their own. The relief and security that a safe, healthy home provides is the first step to a brighter future.” 

At Habitat Philadelphia, we believe that a healthy home is not a privilege, but a foundation that all families should have to build upon. 

“President Carter reminded us that health is an often-overlooked aspect of basic human rights,” said Corinne O’Connell, CEO of Habitat Philadelphia, “but it’s one that’s easily corrected. CHOP brings this belief to life through its commitment to improving health where it begins—at home.”

“Healthy communities don’t just happen. They are built with intention and investment. Philadelphia is stronger because of organizations like CHOP, and we are proud to honor them with the Carter Builder Award.”

For homeowners, the impact goes far beyond construction. One resident shared: 

“What do I value most? One thing I’ve noticed during the CHOP Block Builds is that it’s brought some of us homeowners a little closer.” 

CHOP’s leadership reinforces a powerful truth: home is medicine. Children’s health is shaped by more than medical care alone, and when families have the resources they need, kids are healthier and better able to thrive. Together, we build healthier homes, stronger communities, and a more equitable future for Philadelphia—one repair, one block at a time. 

Now entering its 17th year, the Building Hope Luncheon brings together hundreds of advocates, partners, and supporters to advance affordable homeownership in Philadelphia. Over the past 16 years, with more than 11,000 attendees and $6.3 million raised, the event has helped fuel our impact—to support the construction and preservation of homes, strengthen neighborhoods, and open the door to health and opportunity for all.