Pitt’s newest project called “Make It Right” hopes to revive New Orleans’ devastated 9th Ward

By Stacey Silberman

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 12/3/07 – Actor and activist Brad Pitt stepped up to the plate with some happy news to down and out Katrina victims. He pledged to build 150 homes and put up $5 million of his own money.

The homes will be environmentally friendly and affordable for victims who’ve been plagued by the government’s inability to rebuild their beloved Lower 9th Ward in New Orleans, which essentially perished after the devastating 2005 storm.

Not only is Pitt (“Babel,” “Ocean’s 11”) donating his precious time, but $5 million in hard cash too. In addition, he’s gotten another $5 million from another donor for the ambitious project.

But Pitt knows he can’t go it alone and he’s looking for support from the general public. “I mean, this is really a adopt-a-house campaign. I’m asking for foundations, for high net worth individuals, for church groups, for corporations to come in and adopt a house. Basically, $150,000 will get a family back into their home,” said an emphatic Pitt.

Pitt told Ann Curry of the “Today Show” “You’re going to see life coming here. You’re going to see the communities come back.”

Pitt indicated an area near-to where the Industrial Canal floodwall burst as a result of the storm.

“Well, we’re going to start with 150 homes. I mean, this area where we’re standing right now, they’ve lost over 5,000. So you know, I’m hoping we can expand here and expand over to the rest of New Orleans,” explained Pitt. “There’s no reason why we need to stop here. We’ve got a really good group of people working here. We’ve got some great designs and it’s just going to be if we can get the financial support to make up the difference that people need to return to their homes.”

The Lower 9th Ward was virtually shattered in 2005. Curry showed some videotape to remind her viewers just how detrimental the damage was after Katrina. According to reports, the area is still shattered. The Lower 9th Ward was “Katrina’s ground zero” and one of the poorest

communities in New Orleans, according to Curry.

Pitt and his crew did some interesting things to attract attention to the area. They wrapped the buildings in pink so that they can be viewed from Google Earth.

To pinpoint the location for the future homes go to Google Earth and look for the Lower 9th Ward and hone in on the pink wrap and that’s where Pitt plans to rebuild.

“This is an art installation. It’s a social statement. Most of all it’s a fund-raising tool,” said Mr. Pitt.

Pitt says he’s fully committed and that nothing will stop his forward motion on the project.

Pitt said, “Oh, we can do it. It’s ready to go. It’s just a matter of how many we can do.” He added. “We’ve called on 13 great architects to come in, we’ve got great designs from people. The community has shaped this thing. We’re all ready to go.”

According to Pitt, seven families have already picked out their home of choice.

The families should be moved-in and settled into their homes by summer 2008. Pitt said, “So we’re really excited by that.”

But, he’s asking for the American people to step up and donate to this cause celebre.

Pitt said, “If they come on the Web site you can—you can adopt a low flush toilet, a solar panel, these are all sustainable.”

The handsome actor says that anything would help. Perhaps some can donate for the holidays this year.

“That’s the hope here is to call on the American people to come here in the holiday season and come to our Web site and help the families of New Orleans get back into their homes,” Pitt beckoned.

The humble actor goes on to undersell his ability to reach the public for this project saying, “Well, I mean, you know, listen, I’m not much of a salesman. I mean I can’t sell people. Either you’re moved or you’re not.”

Pitt goes on to tell one New Orleans man’s story. “For me, I think of a father who once had a home here and if I raised my kid–raising my kids here. And if I lost everything and had no way to return, how that would make me feel. And then the fact that other Americans would come in and help me out and help me create a path for me to come back to my roots, to my home, would mean everything to me, would restore my faith in humanity.”

For example, “Mr. Greene over here, he’s living in a trailer. He lost his granddaughter and he lost his mother that night, right here where we stand,” said Pitt to Curry.

With all of the numerous tragedies going on around the world, it’s possible that America has forgotten what transpired in this place. Pitt reminded viewers that, “People were forced to their roofs.” The homes were off their foundations and people were having to jump to other roofs. “And you know, it’s a huge tragedy that left a big scar, and it’s a bigger scar now because these people are in limbo.”

Pitt says that no matter how busy he is between family, films and anything else, that he “finds this more fulfilling as any film I’ve been in.”

However, Pitt does have a full schedule of films in progress. In “The Time Traveler’s Wife,” he is listed as producer, the film is in post-production and it’s due for release in 2008.

He also stars in “Burn After Reading,” co-starring George Clooney, John Malkovich, Tilda Swinton and Francis McDormand and is due for release in 2008.

Also of note is “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” which brought Pitt to New Orleans for filming with adorable daughter Shiloh this summer. The film co-stars Cate Blanchett, Tilda Swinton, Elle Fanning and Julia Ormond. It’s due for release in November 2008.

In pre-production and due for release in 2009 are “The Private Lives of Pippa Lee,” which lists Pitt s producer and he’s rumored to be cast in “The Fighter.”

Pitt says that rebuilding New Orleans is going to be a long-term project and will provide altruistic opportunities for many for years to come. He said, “we’ll go as long as we’ve got the support. So I really need–I’m really hoping that folks will come to the Web site www.makeitrightnola.org <http://www.makeitrightnola.org>.