Make It Right

Make It Right
Name	Make It Right
Founder	Brad Pitt
Location	New Orleans, Louisiana
Focus	Affordable, sustainable housing

Make It Right is a non-profit organization founded by Brad Pitt in 2007, with the goal of building affordable, sustainable housing for low-income families in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans, Louisiana, after the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. The organization has worked with renowned architects such as Frank Gehry, Shigeru Ban, and Thom Mayne to design and build over 150 homes in the area. Make It Right has also collaborated with organizations like the Clinton Foundation and the American Institute of Architects to promote sustainable and affordable housing solutions. The organization's efforts have been recognized by Barack Obama, Bill Clinton, and other notable figures, including Al Gore and Jimmy Carter.

Introduction

The concept of Make It Right was born out of the devastating effects of Hurricane Katrina on the city of New Orleans, particularly the Lower Ninth Ward. The organization's founder, Brad Pitt, was inspired by the work of architects like Frank Lloyd Wright and Le Corbusier, and sought to create a community-driven approach to rebuilding the area. Make It Right has worked closely with local organizations, such as the New Orleans Redevelopment Authority and the Louisiana Recovery Authority, to ensure that the homes built are not only sustainable but also meet the needs of the local community. The organization has also partnered with companies like Home Depot and Lowe's to provide materials and resources for the construction of the homes.

History

The history of Make It Right is closely tied to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, which struck New Orleans in 2005. The storm caused widespread destruction and displacement, particularly in the Lower Ninth Ward, where many low-income families lost their homes. In response to the disaster, Brad Pitt founded Make It Right in 2007, with the goal of building 150 affordable, sustainable homes in the area. The organization has since worked with a range of partners, including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Housing Authority of New Orleans, and the New Orleans City Council, to achieve its mission. Notable figures like Sean Penn, Angelina Jolie, and Matt Damon have also supported the organization's efforts, along with organizations like the Red Cross and the Salvation Army.

Mission

The mission of Make It Right is to build affordable, sustainable housing for low-income families in the Lower Ninth Ward of New Orleans. The organization's approach is centered on community engagement and participation, with a focus on creating homes that are not only environmentally sustainable but also meet the needs of the local community. Make It Right has worked with architects like Zaha Hadid, Norman Foster, and Richard Rogers to design homes that are innovative, sustainable, and affordable. The organization has also partnered with companies like Toyota and General Electric to incorporate green technologies and materials into the homes. Additionally, Make It Right has collaborated with organizations like the Nature Conservancy and the World Wildlife Fund to promote environmental sustainability.

Projects

Make It Right has completed a range of projects in the Lower Ninth Ward, including the construction of over 150 homes, as well as community facilities like the Make It Right Community Center. The organization has also worked on projects like the New Orleans BioInnovation Center and the Louisiana State University (LSU) School of Architecture. Make It Right has collaborated with architects like Thom Mayne and Morphosis to design innovative, sustainable homes that incorporate green technologies and materials. The organization has also partnered with companies like IBM and Cisco Systems to provide technology and resources for the homes. Furthermore, Make It Right has worked with organizations like the American Red Cross and the Habitat for Humanity to provide support and resources to the local community.

Impact

The impact of Make It Right has been significant, with the organization's efforts helping to revitalize the Lower Ninth Ward and provide affordable, sustainable housing for low-income families. The organization's approach has also served as a model for community-driven, sustainable development in other cities, including Detroit, Michigan, and Oakland, California. Make It Right has been recognized for its work by organizations like the American Institute of Architects and the National Association of Home Builders, and has received support from notable figures like Michelle Obama, Joe Biden, and Nancy Pelosi. The organization has also collaborated with institutions like the Harvard University Graduate School of Design and the University of California, Berkeley College of Environmental Design to promote sustainable and affordable housing solutions.

Criticism

Despite its successes, Make It Right has faced criticism and challenges, including concerns about the affordability and sustainability of the homes built. Some critics have argued that the organization's approach is too focused on architectural innovation, and that the homes built are not always affordable or accessible to the local community. Others have raised concerns about the organization's funding model, which has relied heavily on donations and grants. Make It Right has responded to these criticisms by working to increase the affordability and accessibility of the homes built, and by exploring new funding models and partnerships. The organization has also collaborated with organizations like the Ford Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation to address these concerns and promote sustainable and affordable housing solutions. Additionally, Make It Right has worked with institutions like the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the Carnegie Mellon University School of Architecture to develop innovative and sustainable housing solutions.

Category:Non-profit organizations