Longtime Habitat for Humanity volunteer David Letterman joined the Carters on the build site during the 35th Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project. During the event’s opening ceremonies, he welcomed the Carters to his home state of Indiana and shared these thoughts on how they influenced and inspired.

“In my life, I have always struggled and envied people who have figured out a way to make a difference in the world, people who know how to ‘move the needle.’

“I would not have known to call Habitat for Humanity if it wasn’t for President Carter and Rosalynn Carter. It’s because of these two people that my friends and I were able to find a way to help in a very, very small way.

“I am blessed to be here today with the President and his wife because they have become in their lives a beacon — a beacon to show you what needs to be done and how it can be done.

“They changed my life.”