For many in need of a place to live, Jimmy Carter opened doors to a better life.
Those who want to show appreciation for Carter’s efforts can do so by putting their name directly on the door itself.
A memorial door is now on display at the Pulaski County Courthouse, where it will remain for over a month. People are invited to write tributes on the door to Carter, who served as President of the United States from 1977-1980 and was involved for around 40 years with Habitat for Humanity, the nonprofit organization dedicated to helping those in need of housing with the resources and assistance they need to build their own home.
The door was put there by Habitat for Humanity of Pulaski County, Kentucky, which is joining Habitat organizations around the world in offering similar opportunities to honor the life and efforts of Carter, who passed away on December 29 at 100 years of age.
“President and Mrs. Carter’s unwavering support for Habitat for Humanity has transformed the lives of countless families across Kentucky,” said Chad Tyner, Vice President of Habitat for Humanity of Pulaski County, Kentucky.
“In June 1997, the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project, known as ‘Hammering in the Hills,’ took place across parts of Tennessee and Eastern Kentucky, leaving a lasting impact on the region,” continued Tyner. “Over the course of one week, President and Mrs. Carter helped build over 50 homes, visiting towns that received homes—including Berea, Morehead, Pikeville, and Richmond.
“As we honor President Carter’s legacy with this memorial door, we are reminded of his steadfast belief in the power of unity and the profound impact of working together to build a better future, right here in the Bluegrass State,” he added.
Habitat for Humanity of Pulaski County also expressed thanks to Pulaski County Judge-Executive Marshall Todd and the Pulaski County Fiscal Court for allowing the memorial door to be placed in the courthouse, providing a meaningful space for the community to pay tribute.
“We are proud to have this symbol of the life of President Carter sitting in the lobby of the Pulaski County Courthouse,” said John Alexander, Public Information Office for Pulaski County Government. “No matter where you are on the political spectrum, there’s no denying the importance of President Jimmy Carter’s legacy. His public service was not limited to being a governor or a president. His entire life was spent caring for his fellow man. And though he has been welcomed to his eternal home, the work he did with Habitat for Humanity will continue to welcome families home for generations to come.”
A similar door was placed in the courthouse for Rosalynn Carter in 2023 upon her passing and was well-received by the community, with around 150 messages left, noted Kristi Phillips, board president of Habitat for Humanity of Pulaski County, Kentucky.
“President Carter was a man of pure service, and he committed and did more for Habitat after his presidency than most people do in a lifetime, and he didn’t have to,” said Phillips. “This is simply our way of honoring him and his memory.”
She said pictures will be shared with the Carter family once the door’s time in the courthouse is done to show them the comments left by members of the community. The pictures will go to Habitat International, which is in touch with the family.
When Phillips reached out to Todd about putting the door in the courthouse, the judge-executive gave enthusiastic support; “He said, ‘Absolutely, bring it on,” she said. “He’s a great support to Habitat.”
Phillips added that once the organization gets a permanent office in Pulaski County, memorials of this nature will be located there.
Habitat for Humanity will be celebrating President Carter’s life of service with local observances. To learn more or to share a tribute and see an official online memory book, visit habitat.org.
“President Carter’s contributions to Habitat for Humanity are among the most vital to our organization,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International, in a statement. “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.”