Former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral service was held today inside the Washington National Cathedral. In Chico, several dozen people gathered at the Butte County Habitat for Humanity administration office to remember him.
Carter was known for his volunteerism after leaving office, particularly for his work with Habitat for Humanity. Carter and First Lady Rosalynn spent more than 30 years volunteering with the organization.
Teresa Kludt, vice president of the board of directors with Habitat for Humanity of Butte County, said she was lucky to spend a weekend with the Carters in 2017 at his childhood home in Plains, Georgia.
“We attended church with them. Very normal people. You are, of course, always somewhat in awe that you are sitting and talking with these great humanitarians who have travelled the world and met so many world leaders,” Kludt said.
She watched the former President’s funeral service this morning. Although it’s a day of sadness, she said, it’s also a day to celebrate the example Carter set.
Tom Perkins, a long-time local volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, said Carter inspired him to lend a hand building houses for others.
“I became aware of President Carter and how he had dedicated his life to serving humanity and how he had invested so much of his time, effort, and energy in Habitat,” Perkins said. “Doing something for someone else is very rewarding.”
When he first began working with the organization, he said he was concerned that he might not have the building skills needed to contribute. But he found anyone who wants to help will find a place there and the satisfaction will last a lifetime.
Habitat for Humanity of Butte County continues its work building houses in Paradise since the Camp Fire and is planning a new project in Chico named after Carter’s wife, Rosalynn.
