DURHAM, NC (WNCN) – Habitat for Humanity of Durham is honoring former President Jimmy Carter nearly four decades after he visited the organization in the Bull City.
Hours after officials celebrated Carter at the US Capitol, Durham Habitat did the same while dedicating a new home in his name. A major ceremony took place on Wednesday, marking the future location of the Carter House.
Also in honor of First Lady Rosalynn Carter, the home will be at the corner of Angier Avenue and South Maple Street along with three other Habitat affordable homes.
“As a young child, seeing that smile and compassion from him really inspired me [to see] serving humanity and helping humanity was more important than making a lot of money,” said Durham Habitat Interim Executive Director Carleena Deonanan.
“President Carter taught us that in order to be true to ourselves, we must be true to others,” said Deonanan. “His lifelong love and dedication to Habitat for Humanity and the idea that everyone deserves decent and stable housing will live on in our hearts and minds.”
Said Durham Habitat Homeowner Services Director Eric Doll, “I’m very grateful to Jimmy Carter, his president, and what he’s done for Durham Habitat specifically. He was here in 1985 to really inspire us to get us off the ground 40 years ago.”
Durham Habitat said it has not yet identified the family that will live in the Carter House.
“They will exemplify the lives of President Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter and their work,” Deonanan said.
Durham Habitat expects to officially begin construction in the spring, eventually adding a permanent plaque.
