River City Habitat for Humanity honors Jimmy Carter

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

River City Habitat for Humanity in Jefferson City on Wednesday paid tribute to late President Jimmy Carter.

Carter served as president from 1977-1981 and was a key figure for Habitat for Humanity for decades after his presidency. The organization’s affiliates around the world put up a door on Wednesday as a tribute to Carter, a press release says.

A ceremony was held at River City Habitat for Humanity’s headquarters on Creek Trail Drive in Jefferson City.

“President Carter’s contributions to Habitat for Humanity are among the most vital to our organization,” Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, was quoted in a release sent before the ceremony. “He opened doors of opportunity for families worldwide, and all of us at Habitat have been honored and humbled to work alongside him. We were truly blessed to have his support, and our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Carter family.”

Several people spoke at Wednesday’s event.

"His passing is going to leave a hole in the Habitat Family for quite a while, so being able to honor him and his life of service is just something that we knew that we had to do," River City Executive Director Susan Cook said.

Tributes have poured in from around the country since the former president's passing on Dec. 29. President Joe Biden on Dec. 30 ordered flags around the country to be flown at half-staff in honor of Carter. The United State Postal Service announced on Wednesday that it will be closed on Thursday to honor Carter.