Local Habitat for Humanity mourns Jimmy Carter’s passing
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
A Mid-Missouri branch of Habitat for Humanity -- a charity close to former president Jimmy Carter's heart -- is marking the passing of a man who inspired others to service.
Carter died Saturday in his home in Plains, Georgia.
After Carter's term ended in the White House in 1977, he and his wife, Rosalynn, dedicated their time to volunteering, advocating, and fundraising for Habitat for Humanity, a social services organization that focuses on creating a world where everyone has a decent place to live. The Carter Work Project began in 1984 and has built over 4,400 homes in 14 countries.
"We have been deeply honored to have two of the world’s most distinguished humanitarians as dedicated Habitat volunteers for more than 35 years," Habitat for Humanity wrote on its website.
The impact of Carter's life is felt in Mid-Missouri.
Susan Cook, executive director of River City Habitat for Humanity in Jefferson City, said it's hard to be involved with Habitat and not be impacted by the Carters.
"I think the world may not have ever really known about Habitat if it wasn't for them," Cook said of the Carters. "They really kind of put us on the map and let people know about what we do. Even though he never physically came to Jefferson City, you know that he's just part of it and that you get inspired by the work that he's done."
Johnathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity, said the Carters inspired millions.
"There's no question President Carter getting involved with Mrs. Carter in 1984 is when the world found out about Habitat for Humanity," Reckford said in a news conference Monday. "And their engagement every year for the next 35 years really put Habitat on the map, inspired millions of volunteers, they directly helped over 4,000 families have new or improved homes through those Carter work projects every year. But his example inspired millions and I think the good news is that example continues."
Cook said that the River City Habitat for Humanity is planning a memorial service in Jefferson City in the next week.
Carter's funeral will be in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 9.
