Habitat for Humanity to raise Jimmy Carter memorial wall in Salt Lake

SALT LAKE CITY — Former President Jimmy Carter spent decades of his life advocating for Habitat for Humanity. He personally worked on almost 4,500 homes and helped launch the cause around the world.

On Thursday, the day of his funeral, Habitat for Humanity Greater Salt Lake Area will raise a wall in honor of Carter and all his work.

The wall-raising ceremony will be at 9 a.m. at the Salt Lake City ReStore at 1276 South 500 West.

 

The ceremony will include addresses by local speakers. People will also have the opportunity to write memorial messages about Carter on the wall’s two-by-fours. Habitat for Humanity will later use those two-by-fours to build homes.

“We join the world in mourning the loss of President Carter and want to give people a place to gather locally on the day of his State funeral to pay their respects,” said Carin Crowe, Habitat for Humanity Greater Salt Lake Area CEO in a news release. “By raising a wall, we celebrate President Carter’s life and legacy of advancing affordable homeownership.”

The memorial wall is part of an interactive art tribute to Jimmy and Rosalyn Carter called “Opening Doors.” The exhibit will travel to various locations in the Salt Lake Valley during January. Information about “Opening Doors” can be found on Habitat for Humanity’s website.

Habitat for Humanity Greater Salt Lake Area also established a Carter Legacy Fund for people who would like to donate in his memory. All proceeds support affordable homebuilding in Salt Lake, Davis and Tooele counties.

Britt Johnson is a reporter and anchor for KSL NewsRadio.