To commemorate the life and legacy of the late former President Jimmy Carter, Houston leaders convened on Tuesday at the Barbara Bush Literacy Plaza downtown.
The occasion, which was organized in collaboration with Habitat for Humanity, brought attention to the part Carter played in making it possible for thousands of people nationwide to become homes.
Allison Hay, the CEO of Houston’s Habitat for Humanity, made her comments while standing beside a picture of Carter that was painted on a door. According to her, that door represented the numerous opportunities that Carter made possible during his lifetime of helping people.
“President and Mrs. Carter worked in Houston’s triple-digit summer heat alongside 6,000 volunteers who traveled across the country for this monumental effort,” Hay stated. “Together they built 100 homes for 100 families in need of safe, affordable housing.”
Carter, a Democrat from Georgia who presided over the United States from 1977 to 1981, passed away on December 29 at the age of 100.
Habitat for Humanity reports that 108,100 volunteers from 14 countries have contributed to the construction, renovation, and repair of almost 4,000 homes through the Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project.
Judge Lina Hidalgo of Harris County stressed that Carter’s commitment to people’s well-being went well beyond his role as president.
“He instituted the first commission on mental health; he passed groundbreaking legislation on mental health,” Hidalgo stated.
Hidalgo declared January 9th to be President Jimmy Carter Day in Harris County as she concluded her remarks.
In his reflections on Carter’s mentoring, Houston Mayor John Whitmire quoted Carter as stating, “Leave the world a better place.”
Whitmire stated, “We need days like today… to celebrate our successes and put aside our party politics.” Jimmy Carter provided shelter for everyone, regardless of social standing. I’m returning to City Hall because of Jimmy Carter, and I’ll be a better mayor than the one who left.”
The Barbara Bush Literacy Plaza in Washington will stream live from Carter’s memorial service on Thursday.
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