Former President left an impact on OTC area

By Tom Hintgen

Otter Tail County Correspondent

In 2023 former President Jimmy Carter was our role model for people from 25 churches in Otter Tail County who helped build a Habitat for Humanity house in Fergus Falls. The project came to mind after Carter’s passing on Dec. 29.

“Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, quickly realized that Habitat for Humanity closely aligned with their values,” said Paul Shol, Habitat for Humanity Faith Build coordinator in Otter Tail County.

“They became hands-on construction volunteers in their home state of Georgia and later worked on Habitat homes across the nation and in 14 overseas countries,” Shol added. “During their 35 years with Habitat for Humanity they worked alongside an estimated 104,000 volunteers.”

The Carters had seen firsthand, in Georgia, the effects that the lack of affordable housing had on many families. They understood that, to ensure the greatest success, families need stable and affordable houses.

Here in Otter Tail County, church involvement in 2023 included teams of eight, 792 volunteer hours and more than $50,000 raised by the churches toward materials for the Habitat for Humanity house in Fergus Falls.

“Church groups answered the call to love their neighbors as Jesus taught,” Shol said. “They wanted to make a difference, just like Jimmy Carter, while helping construct the house in Fergus Falls.”

Shol added that church Faith Build teams, while working on the house, attained a social environment with good fellowship. “They also experienced the feeling of ‘getting something done’ while learning and practicing home construction techniques.”

Carter memorial service

Fergus Falls Area Habitat for Humanity is holding a memorial service for former President Jimmy Carter who was a champion for the Habitat mission.

County residents are invited to attend and honor former President Carter.

Date: Thursday, Jan. 9

Time: 3 p.m.

Where: the recently finished Habitat home in Fergus Falls

Address: 522 East St. Charles Avenue

(No RSVP required)