Gulf Coast Rebuilding

Ever since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita struck the Gulf Coast in 2005, the Angel Network has been committed to help rebuild the region. As people struggled to regain their footing after the storm—a problem compounded by already existent poverty in the area—rebuilding the Gulf Coast became an ongoing process.

Stories of Success

It is always an achievement whenever a family moves into a new home or a business reopens its doors. But this step only marks the beginning of a success story. With your support, we’ve been able to start people off on a path to success and then equip them with the right resources so they can live up to their full potential. Read how:

By the Numbers

Together, you’ve donated more than $15.6 million to Oprah’s Angel Network to support the rebuilding of the Gulf Coast. We’ve used your donations to award grants to organizations that work on the ground in the region, including Habitat for Humanity® International, Rural LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation), the East Biloxi Coordination Relief and Redevelopment Agency and First Book.

Together with these organizations, we’ve helped:

  • Build and restore more than 400 homes in eight communities across four states—Texas, Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama. In addition to building homes, we’ve also developed parks and greenspaces, creating safe places for play and exercise.
  • Put more than five million books in the hands of children who lost everything to the storms. Read more.
  • Reopen several businesses, sparking the economy in the region.
In Pictures

With your support, we’re helping build communities throughout the Gulf Coast where people can thrive. Take a tour across four states to see how your donations have been put to use.

(C) 2005 Harpo Productions, Inc.

(C) 2006 Harpo Productions, Inc.

(C) 2006 Oprah's Angel Network

(C) 2006 Oprah's Angel Network

(C) 2006 Oprah's Angel Network

(C) 2006 Harpo Productions, Inc.

(C) 2007 Architecture for Humanity

(C) 2007 Architecture for Humanity

(C) 2008 Harpo Productions, Inc. Photographer George Burns.

(C) 2008 Harpo Productions, Inc. Photographer George Burns.

TEXAS—To support families who were forced to relocate, one of the first cities that the Angel Network started to build in was Houston. Construction started on Angel Lane in the fall of 2005, and in total we helped build 65 homes here.

TEXAS—With a playground completed in August 2006, the kids of Angel Lane now have safe homes and a safe place to play.

LOUISIANA—Another community where we've made an impact is Houma, Louisiana. In September 2006, 28 families impacted by the storms moved into new homes.

LOUISIANA—A beautiful greenspace is also part of this community. Kids enjoy the playground equipment, and everyone makes use of the shaded tables for cookouts and other gatherings.

LOUISIANA—We helped build 15 homes in Baton Rogue, with families moving in during December of 2006.

MISSISSIPPI—In July 2006, 18 families moved into homes in Jackson, Mississippi. The families were recently surveyed about what changes they'd like to see in their community and as a result, plans are now underway to build a playground.

MISSISSIPPI—In East Biloxi we've helped build the Hope Coordination Center, a "one-stop-shop" where residents can get everything from free architectural design services to guidance on how to access government funding for rebuilding.

MISSISSIPPI—A model home program was also launched in East Biloxi, to try to lessen the extent of damage from future storms. Pictured here is one of the completed model homes.

ALABAMA—By December 2006, we helped build 14 homes in Dothan, Alabama and in May 2008, a new park was dedicated. Covered picnic tables are an ideal place for families to gather.

ALABAMA—The park in Dothan also features a fitness circuit, which adults can use to exercise.

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