Entertainer Harry Connick Jr. helps orchestrate construction of a new Habitat home in Slidell, La.

On Oct. 6, Harry Connick Jr., the honorary chair of Habitat for Humanity's Operation Home Delivery, addressed the Senate Committee on Commerce Finance on the future of the Gulf Coast.

"I firmly believe that the Habitat for Humanity model is the right one for these circumstances-just as it is for people in need of affordable housing around the country and around the world," the New Orleans native said. "Habitat offers low-cost mortgages at no profit and asks people to contribute to the building of their own homes through sweat equity. When the homes are completed, the families are secure in the knowledge that this is their home. It is a hand up, not a handout. And it is the first step to a life of financial and emotional stability.

"There are more than 300,000 families in the Gulf region who lost their homes..." said the actor and recording artist. "The hurricane exposed the sad reality of poverty in America. We saw, in all its horrific detail, the vulnerabilities of living in inadequate housing and the heartbreak of losing one's home."

For Connick's complete statement, visit www.habitat.org.