MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County has invited the public to the unveiling of a memorial dedicated to the late President Jimmy Carter on Jan. 8 at the Fields at Highland subdivision in Mishawaka at the corner of Jefferson and Byrkit.

Officials say they’re joining Habitat organizations around the world in erecting a framed wall and door to pay tribute to President Carter and acknowledge how his efforts opened doors to brighter futures for thousands of Habitat homeowners over nearly four decades.

The location of the memorial is at the site of the 2018 Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project.

“President Carter’s contributions to Habitat for Humanity are among the most vital to our organization,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “He opened doors of opportunity for families worldwide, and all of us at Habitat have been honored and humbled to work alongside him. We were truly blessed to have his support, and our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Carter family."

Officials invite Habitat families and the public to pay tribute by signing the memorial with their names and personal messages.

A ceremony and candlelight vigil will take place at 5 p.m. and will include remarks from Habitat families living in the homes in the neighborhood President Carter helped build.

Habitat families will also place a candle on their front porch in honor of President Carter the night before his official state funeral.

“President Carter inspired so many,” said Jim Williams, CEO of Habitat for Humanity of St. Joseph County. “His life and actions showed an exemplary dedication to the ideals of faith, justice, public service, peace and the care of the most vulnerable. This memorial is just one small way we can pay tribute to President Carter.”

The public is also invited to visit the Habitat for Humanity website to sign the official online memory book for President Carter.