Dated: Friday, June 24, 2005

On Friday, June 24, during the closing ceremony for the Jimmy Carter Work Project, Mayor Wilce L. Cooke of Benton Harbor presented the following proclomation to former president Jimmy Carter and Team on behalf of the citizens and council of the City of Benton Harbor:

Benton Harbor says thanks. Thank you former President Jimmy Carter. Thank you former first Lady Rosalynn Carter. Thank you Habitat for Humanity. Thank you Whirlpool Corporation employees. Thanks to every single volunteer at every stage of this process. Thank you for every minute you gave. Each minute was multiplied a thousand times with your sense of justice for all Americans and by your deep conviction that each resident of our beloved city deserves a decent place to live.

Housing in Benton Harbor has been a number one issue for generations. There have been many reports, studies and surveys for thirty or more years that have clearly stated what the problem was. Many experts have analyzed and discussed the effects of low homeownership rates on the economic and social conditions that prevail in our city. We all know that higher homeownership rates results in a greater sense of civic pride. But, no amount of analysis could actually build a home.

Today, this week it was hammer time! Sweat, nails and generous hearts accomplished more in one week than all the years of talking about the issue. We know there is much more work to be done. But, what a start! Blitz Build 2005 gave our City a shot in the arm, a jolt forward. Blitz Build 2005 let our City know that we are not alone in the struggle towards the American Dream. Blitz Build 2005 underlined the fact that together as a country we can step forward to ensure that no community is left behind.

For these reasons and more, I thank you, the elected representatives of the people thank you, and the people of the City of Benton Harbor thank you. Therefore, as Mayor of the City of Benton Harbor, I am honored to proclaim that from this day on the week of June 19th to 24th will be known as the Jimmy Carter Work Project Habitat for Humanity Week in Benton Harbor.

We also offer to you, Mr. President and Lady Carter the keys to our City in honor of your history making deeds here this week. We ask that you accept this as a symbolic gesture of our gratitude. We ask you accept it on behalf of every volunteer and every minute volunteered.

Finally, in recognition of your service and on behalf of all the new homeowners in Benton Harbor, I proclaim that High Street, Benton Harbor will be named Jimmy Carter Drive, Benton Harbor, now and forever.

Thanks again to all. We pledge to keep on working until the task of house building becomes the joy of homeownership for every citizen of Benton Harbor.

Mayor Wilce L. Cooke
On Behalf of the Citizens and Council for the
City of Benton Harbor