National Fair Housing Alliance Statement on Passing of President Jimmy Carter
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 30, 2024
Media Contact: NFHA@skdknick.com
National Fair Housing Alliance Statement on Passing of President Jimmy Carter
Washington, D.C. – Today, the National Fair Housing Alliance® (NFHA™) released the following statement from Lisa Rice, President and Chief Executive Officer on the passing of President Jimmy Carter:
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of President Jimmy Carter, a man whose life was defined by an unwavering dedication to justice, equality, and humanitarian service. As the 39th President of the United States, his leadership was rooted in a steadfast moral compass and a lifelong commitment to serving others—principles that guided him both during and after his time in office.
A tireless champion for civil rights, democracy, and climate justice, President Carter’s administration made significant strides in advancing racial equality and fair housing. He expanded the federal judiciary to reflect the nation’s rich and broad diversity by appointing 41 women and 57 people of color as federal judges. He appointed the first Black woman to serve in a U.S. presidential cabinet, Patricia Harris, as the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. And he issued Executive Order 12259, which requires the head of each executive agency to ensure that its housing and community development programs and activities are administered in a manner to affirmatively further the goal of fair housing as required under the Fair Housing Act of 1968. This executive action enabled more Americans to fairly access affordable and accessible housing opportunities in well-resourced, viable neighborhoods so that they could thrive, a cause that became a hallmark of the Carter-Mondale Administration.
Through policies prioritizing human dignity and community well-being, and guided by the belief that housing is a universal right, the Carter administration expanded housing programs for both urban and rural communities, including support for families with low incomes throughout the nation. The administration also advanced policies to protect the environment, laying the foundation for many of today’s climate justice initiatives.
Beyond his presidency, President Carter’s influence remained profound. His work through the Carter Center and his long-standing partnership with Habitat for Humanity embodied his belief that housing is a fundamental human right. His and First Lady Carter’s personal and hands-on involvement in these efforts inspired countless individuals to join them in building thousands of homes for people with low-incomes and advocating for social justice and equitable community development.
President Carter’s enduring legacy will continue to inspire generations. His life stands as a testament to the transformative power of compassion, peace, and the belief that every person deserves dignity and a voice. We honor his memory and are forever grateful for his immeasurable contributions to building a more just and compassionate world.”
About the National Fair Housing Alliance
The National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA) is the country’s only national civil rights organization dedicated solely to eliminating all forms of housing and lending discrimination and ensuring equal opportunities for all people. As the trade association for over 170 fair housing and justice-centered organizations and individuals throughout the U.S. and its territories, NFHA works to dismantle longstanding barriers to equity and build diverse, inclusive, well-resourced communities.