DES MOINES, Iowa — Two doors dedicated to President Jimmy Carter are available for signing at Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity Restore locations.

Former President Jimmy Carter is known for his acts of volunteerism and his dedication to the Habitat for Humanity. Here in Iowa, the Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity has a special way to honor his legacy.

Two doors have been placed at the Urbandale and Des Moines Restore locations for people to write a message of appreciation for the former president.

“In honor of Jimmy Carter, President Carter, because he opened so many doors for Habitat for Humanity,” said Lance Henning, the Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity CEO. “What he did for Habitat for Humanity is immeasurable and this is a small way for us to be able to recognize and remember.”

Henning says it allows people to share how much they appreciate Carter and the ways he changed lives right here in Iowa.

“We just encourage people to come out and that if you would like to be able to just remember and honor President Carter come sign a door, we would love to have you do that,” said Henning.

The doors will be placed in Carter Court, a group of 15 buildings that are being built in northeast Des Moines. Habitat for Humanity broke ground on the site in October 2024 and is expected to begin moving in residents this spring.

Both doors are being filled with messages thanking Carter for his service during his presidency, his dedication to good work, and his outstanding character.

One person is thankful for a few specific accomplishments.

In 1980, Carter signed Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act which protects Alaskan land, wildlife, and monuments. In 1978, he helped pass legislation that legalized homebrewing, leading to a boom that enlarged and enhanced the brewing industry.

“President Carter’s responsible for lowering the standards of how many barrels that someone could brew,” said Henning. “So, it was a very high number and by lowering that, that really opened up and created the microbrewery craft beer industry.”

Though Carter’s work with Habitat for Humanity was great, there’s always something to be worked on. In the spirit of Jimmy Carter and Martin Luther King Jr., Habitat for Humanity has a full schedule of volunteers who are lending a hand on January 20, in both homes and stores.

Henning says that Martin Luther King Jr. Day is another time when people can think about volunteerism and doing good work.

“I think in some ways there’s some connection with President Carter and Martin Luther King Jr., really about having a day of service. So, we have groups and volunteers that are out one day helping us build homes,” said Henning. “Dr. King, he really had a vision of a beloved community and a day of service with Habitat for Humanity is really about helping to build that beloved community.”

The doors will be available for signing at both the Urbandale and Des Moines Habitat for Humanity ReStore locations through Monday afternoon.