Remodeling for Charity: Brad Pitt Helps Rebuild New Orleans, Part 5 of 5

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charity make it right It’s been a wonderful week showcasing charitable builders. These people flock in droves to worksites across the country for the sake of giving. Imagine opening your door to hundreds of hammer-holstered volunteers ready to makeover your kitchen in a matter of days. We’re so proud of their hard work, not to mention warm and tingly for the impoverished families that truly needed a helping hand.

So without further ado, CalFinder presents Make It Right, Brad Pitt’s own organization that focuses on rebuilding New Orleans post-Hurricane Katrina. Their current build? The critical Lower Ninth Ward housing project, future home to dozens of displaced families.

Make It Right

By S. Kim Henson

charity make it right brad pitt

Brad Pitt’s initial visit to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina disturbed him; he was shaken by the devastation. Pitt began working with Global Green to formulate a plan for rebuilding this culturally diverse city. He worked with local experts and leading architects from all over the world. According to Architectural Record, new designs “feature pared-down geometries that harmonize with traditional regional expression.” These homes are not only functional, but incredibly beautiful. The first eight of 150 houses are now completed and those families have already returned home.

charity make it right tennessee street nola

“You have no idea what a high it is for me to see the delight on people’s faces when they see how these homes work,” Pitt said in an interview. Homeowners-to-be and their children are simply thrilled to finally come home. To have a permanent house to live in again, one woman said, “It’d be heaven.” A little boy commented, “I’d be the happiest child on earth.” And that’s just what he’ll be. Pitt raised millions of dollars for these homes, in large part from other big actors like Lawrence Fishburne, David Spade and comedic genius Will Ferrell, who sponsored an entire home. Hundreds of hard-hit families will soon return to sustainable, safe and healthy houses that preserve the spirit of New Orleans culture.

charity make it right tennessee street

Want to help Pitt rebuild New Orleans? Every little bit helps. Donate here.

charity make right tennessee street new orleans

Series Recap

Missed out on this week’s amazing charity series? We’ll catch you up.

Monday: Habitat for Humanity

Featuring a national leader in housing for low-income families. We tell the story of heroic Houston resident Dorothy and her nine grandchildren, a family stuck in a drug-ridden neighborhood – that is, until Habitat stepped in to help.

Tuesday: Affordable Housing & Free Home Repair

Rebuilding Together is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to rescue impoverished families from dilapidated housing. Made up of thousands of everyday people, they’re an inspiration to us all.

Wednesday: Home Makeovers for Military Families

Heroes at Home is a Sears-sponsored organization that raises money for American veterans and their families – often at a time they need it most.

Thursday: Recycling Luxury for Recovery

Spotlighting Green Demolitions, an organization that works to save both the planet and families in dire need of home renovation.

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Angela Robert Says:
September 9th, 2009 at 12:59 pm

My name is Angie Robert. I am the director at the St. Charles Animal Control Office in Luling, Louisiana. As I understand you were looking to give a stimulus package to someone in need; I certainly understand and appreciate people in need. However, in this recession we are living in at the moment people aren’t the only ones in need. The animals are in need also! Especially the animals at my shelter. They are being housed in a 30-year-old building with very limited space. To say it kindly this building has seen much better days. We are a small facility in comparison to some of our neighboring parishes with a very small committed staff. We have such a limited space and are currently trying to house an overly crowded population of animals. We have been working very hard on trying to get funding for a new facility. As it stands now we have the land already donated, an architect designing a new larger, more efficient facility. We are diligently looking for resources to fund this project. This is the reason why we a recommending our animals here at our shelter to receive a stimulus package.