make it right 9

The article by Sarah Murray titled "Living Space: housing solutions for developing nations" talked a lot about innovative ways companies are creating low cost housing around the world. While not directly related, these issues reminded of the Make it Right project based in New Orleans' Lower 9th Ward . This project (started by Brad Pitt) aimed to create sustainable, affordable housing to bring New Orleans residents back home to the Lower 9th Ward, one of the worst hit neighborhoods in Hurricane Katrina. The goals of the project are admirable, and it appears that the actual architecture does everything the organization hoped it would. Special focus was put on using "green technologies" and sustainable design that will weather the next storm. They have so far brought 150 families back to the area. The only thing that really seems conflicted about the project is the price tag on the homes. Prices ranges from $150,000-$200,000, which may not be a lot for an American home in the grand scheme of things, but seems quite pricey for homes that are specifically being built to house low-income, displaced families. The organization stresses that families are expected to pay as much of the purchase price from their own resources as possible, with special financing options available. Even with these measure in place, it seems like the neediest families would still be in an odd position in terms of taking advantage of this redevelopment effort. I have to question who exactly is being served, and is it the best use of these resources? I think its very possible that some of the time and money spent on creating such fancy, modern looking houses could have been used to subsidize some of the cost. A similar house with a smaller price tag would have been much more innovative.