News Summary
The Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity is hosting a memorial event in Savannah to honor the late President Jimmy Carter’s humanitarian legacy. The event offers attendees the chance to sign a symbolic wall featuring a door, representing the opportunities Carter created for families. Known for his extensive volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity, Carter’s influence will be commemorated through speeches by community leaders who aim to continue his commitment to affordable housing. The event highlights the ongoing impact of Carter’s work on community service and support for families in need.
Savannah Hosts Memorial Event for President Jimmy Carter
The Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity is set to host a memorial event on Thursday, honoring the legacy of the late President Jimmy Carter. The event will begin at 11 a.m. at 1010 W 53rd Street in Savannah, providing an opportunity for attendees to commemorate Carter’s significant contributions to humanity.
During the memorial, attendees will have the chance to sign a special wall, which will feature a door symbolizing the opportunities that Carter opened for countless families through his humanitarian efforts. This tribute aims to resonate with Carter’s lifelong commitment to improving living conditions and making a positive impact on the lives of others.
President Carter, who passed away on December 29 at 100 years old, is remembered for his extensive volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity after his presidency, spanning over 35 years. Together with former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, he helped build and improve homes in 14 countries, actively involving nearly 104,000 volunteers in the process. This initiative facilitated the construction or renovation of approximately 4,390 homes, changing lives and fostering community development around the globe.
Community Leaders Reflect on Carter’s Impact
Mason Waters, a regional president for United Community Bank and a member of Habitat’s U.S. Council for Advocacy, is expected to share a personal story at the memorial event, illustrating Carter’s inspirational influence. Waters has dedicated 40 years to volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, motivated by a letter from Carter that encouraged him to support the cause.
Zerik Samples, the CEO of Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity, will also address attendees, underscoring Carter’s dedication to community service and emphasizing the importance of creating a strong foundation for children’s success. The sentiments expressed by community leaders during the event will reflect a shared commitment to carry forward Carter’s legacy of service and support for affordable housing.
Chatham County Chairman Chester Ellis will highlight ongoing initiatives of Habitat for Humanity in Port Wentworth, detailing legislative efforts aimed at making homeownership more accessible to families in the community. Ellis’s remarks aim to acknowledge the current and future impact of Habitat’s work while paying homage to Carter’s foundational efforts to improve housing options for many.
National Day of Mourning
In honor of President Carter, President Biden has declared January 9 as a national day of mourning. On this day, a separate memorial event is planned to raise a wall with a door at Habitat’s location. Community members will be invited to sign the door and support beams, participating in a poignant tribute to a leader known for his humanitarian spirit.
Carter’s legacy is deeply woven into the fabric of Habitat for Humanity, which continues to embody his vision of community service. The upcoming memorial in Savannah is anticipated to draw community members who wish to reflect on and celebrate his contributions to society. Through these events, the Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity aims to reinforce the values that President Carter championed throughout his life, reminding the public of the impactful work done in the name of building a better future for families in need.
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Additional Resources
- WJCL: Habitat for Humanity Memorial for Jimmy Carter
- Connect Savannah: Habitat for Humanity Event with International Paper
- Savannah Now: Coastal Empire Habitat for Humanity Memorial for Jimmy Carter
- Grice Connect: Habitat for Humanity of Bulloch County Grand Opening
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Habitat for Humanity
