Well, there may be a WGA strike underway in the industry, but actor Brad Pitt's hands won't be idle.
Pitt expects foundations to be dug out for at least 150 eco-friendly homes in New Orleans' lower Ninth Ward by the end of next summer.
"Make it Right" - an initiative he started up to make the dream a reality - represents seed money from his own pocket, too; a whopping $5 million was donated by the fan of architectural aesthetics to aid in the bold-faced effort to restore neighborhoods devastated by the Hurricane Katrina.
Last year the activist (who also donates time, energy and $$$ to Global Green USA) and his sensuous wife - Angelina Jolie - purchased an elegant home in the city's French Quarter...so he'll be nearby to watch over the construction.
In spite of his own major contribution to kick-start the program, he's approaching foundations, big bucks individuals with a heart, church outreach groups, and corporate sponsors to ante up $150,000.00 to basically "adopt-a-home"...the cost of situating a struggling family into new digs.
About thirteen architects have been hired to create innovative housing; in this instance, structures that will be smartly constructed on stilts as a precaution against future flooding in the area.
Undoubtedly, his past involvement with environmental groups, has stressed the need to be forward-thinking in the approach now.
For this reason, the homes will be affordable, sustainable, safe from the elements...with all the creature comforts, too.
In recent months, Brad was somewhat preoccupied - it seems - with fashion shoots and other superficial pursuits. In a feature in the LA TIMES recently, he waxed philosophically about this 'n that - giving the impression of being a bit of a phony.
Today, it appears he is on track, getting down 'n dirty, and lending a much-needed hand where it is needed most.
Construction hats off to Pitt for not only making it right, but making a difference.
Those interested in checking out the progress of the project, or making a donation, should check out the web site: www.makeitrightnola.org
Peyton Conway March once said,
There is a wonderful mythical law of nature that the three things we crave most in life - happiness, freedom, and peace of mind - are always attained by giving them to someone else.
