My mother is Ms. Melba, of 1744 Tennessee Street, lower 9th ward, and she lost more than just a home in 2005. Both her mother and father passed away just before this unreal occurrence happened. And she never had the chance to grieve. This is the first time I’ve seen her smile in a long time. I thank Mr. Pitt and his family and the Make it Right foundation for this opportunity for a new start at life.
I want to say “thank you” to all who have done anything and everything that God has put on your hearts to do, for my family. When I see the new homes, I want to cry tears of joy, but also sadness since it feels as though all pieces of me have gone. Thanks to this project for putting my 9th ward family back together.

Love Always
The Vann Family (Barbara, Jimmy, Cheyenne, and Yurrianne) of North Carolina
C/O Mr. and Ms. Barnes, 1744 Tennessee St.

The homes are not accessible to people with mobility impairments or the old. Most have no way of getting a stroller in and out without carrying it down or up a flight of unsheltered exterior stairs. Where do you leave your baby in the rain, or ever? What about Grandpa and his cane, or Grandma and her wheelchair?

Do any of them have wheelchair-accessible bathrooms? Commodes and shower stalls?

Why so much wood in a region known for devastating termite infestations?

Most provided some sort of front porch for socializing, but only one chose to make a nod to the traditional ironwork designs of New Orleans for the rails. Why not more of that? Why no respect for the region’s motifs?

One designed nooks and crannies on the front porch seemingly designed for nothing but a mugger’s comfort and concealment. Any woman would be afraid to go up her own stairs at night in that house.

Several went all strange on the roofs, adding to the expense without adding to the utility. One Japanese design lacks nearly any windows on the sides – nice for privacy and security, but unpleasant to live in.

And re most of the designs – why the disrespect for the expense of furnishing? How can a poor family afford to buy curtains for windows in goofy non-standard sizes or angles?

But again, a thousand thanks to Brad Pitt, and thanks to the thirteen design firms for trying, even if I don’t like what they came up with.