Habitat for Humanity in Philly hosts tribute to Jimmy Carter

NORTH PHILADELPHIA - The Philadelphia Habitat for Humanity organization honored Jimmy Carter Thursday for his work building homes, including a 1988 effort in the city. On the 1900 block of Wilt Street in North Philly, simple rowhomes stand as monuments to Jimmy Carter.

For two days in 1988, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter worked on Wilt Street properties with Habitat for Humanity and spoke about it. The former president said his efforts were "To let people know there are many people who need quality homes but don’t have them."

John McClintick was there. He told FOX 29, "Jimmy Carter was a Georgia farm boy and knew one side of a hammer from another."

For 35 years, the Carters traveled the globe in support of Habitat, working alongside volunteers to build or repair thousands of homes. Thursday, Habitat honored them outside Philadelphia City Hall with a "Door of Opportunity" for the public to sign. The leader of Habitat for Humanity, Corinne O’Connell, said, "People have asked is there a plaque on Wilt Street. No, the Carters weren’t "plaques on buildings people." They were roll up your sleeves, pick up a hammer and do the work."

On hand at city hall, Clissita Daniels lives with her family in a newly built Habitat home. She said, "Every day I put that key in that door, it’s just a feeling of greatness and I have people like Jimmy Carter to thank for that."

Back in 1988, Habitat for Humanity was in its infancy in Philadelphia. Now, from its offices near Wilt Street, and approaching its 40th anniversary, Habitat has built over 270 homes and repaired more than 1,000. Homes baring Rosalynn Carter’s name are rising in West Philly.

Meanwhile, Mayor Parker repeated her housing pledge, saying she would, "Follow through on our commitment to build and preserve 30,000 units of housing in the City of Philadelphia."