The week of June 19-24, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn will lead volunteers from around the world in the host cities of Benton Harbor and Detroit to build simple, decent, affordable houses in partnership with people in need through the Jimmy Carter Work Project, Habitat for Humanity's largest annual event.

This year "Blitz Build" volunteers will build 20 houses in Benton Harbor and 30 houses in Detroit - ensuring that more Michigan families have a simple, decent place to live.

A number of building trades workers have volunteered, but more are needed. For more information, go to the Habitat website, www.habitat.org/jcwp/2005/.

Pipe trades volunteers in the Benton Harbor area - or any other workers who wish to help - can call Plumbers and Pipe Fitters Local 357, (269) 679-2570.

Detroit are pipe trades volunteers are being coordinated through Molly Forward at the Plumbing and Mechanical Contractors of Detroit, (313) 341-7661, ext. 204.

Following is other contact information for others willing to volunteer. In Oakland County, call Steve Campbell, (248) 338-1843. In Macomb County, call Daniel Wiiki, (586) 263-1540.

Some preliminary work is being performed before June 19.