WASHINGTON - Today, The Honorable Adrianne Todman, Agency Head of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), issued the following statement on the passing of President Jimmy Carter:

“President Jimmy Carter, Jr. served this country as our 39th President and did so with grace, steadfast faith and a heart for the most underserved communities. For decades, his legacy has lived in the missions of agencies across the Federal government. His commitment to the American people for the betterment of their quality of life is evident in his lifetime of civil service and earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

He had a deep commitment to affordable housing, community development and civil rights and was emphasized in his administration by leading initiatives aimed to improve living conditions for low-income families, revitalizing neighborhoods and developing housing policies aimed to eliminate housing discrimination.

One of President Carter’s enduring legacies is his appointment of Patricia Roberts Harris to lead the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. She was the first Black woman appointed to a Presidential cabinet and the second woman to lead HUD.

He has been a beacon of hope for so many people and his strong, visible partnership with Habitat for Humanity reminded everyone of the critical need to support affordable housing through words and actions.

President Carter’s grit, determination, and hopefulness will be missed, but his legacy lives on in hearts and homes across the country.

May he rest in peace.”