The Pearlington Project Katrina Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit foundation. It is the evolution of the solo relief work of Angela Cole, a healthcare professional and business owner, who has brought attention and resources to Pearlington, Mississippi since September 2005. Pearlington is a small, rural, unincorporated community which was virtually obliterated by Hurricane Katrina on August 29, 2005. Since it is not incorporated as a city or town, there is no mayor or city council to advocate for these citizens.

What Ms. Cole thought would be a one week relief effort quickly evolved into a two year commitment to the people of Pearlington. The first year of her relief mission, Ms. Cole delivered food, clothing, and first aid supplies directly to those who needed it most. Additionally, she communicated the dire need in Pearlington to national media outlets. Initially dubbed “The Pearlington Project,” her work caught the attention of both the New York Times and CNN. All media coverage may be viewed in the Media Section of this website. As a result of these efforts, word spread and a national, grass roots network formed. Citizens and churches from Georgia, New York, Ohio, California, and all points in between sponsored families and even joined Ms. Cole in Pearlington.

The second year of Ms. Cole’s work shifted from relief to recovery with the incorporation of her efforts into The Pearlington Project Katrina Foundation, Inc. The Foundation used donated funds to purchase building materials and furniture to help the people of Pearlington return home. At the second anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, Ms. Cole and The Foundation Board of Directors are pleased to report that most homes in Pearlington have either been rebuilt completely or are in some phase of construction. While The Foundation has not constructed homes, it has been its great pleasure to contribute building materials, volunteers, and furniture.

Given the presence of larger, better-funded organizations in Pearlington that are constructing homes, the improvement in conditions, and limited resources, Ms. Cole is concluding her two year relief and recovery mission. The Pearlington Project Katrina Foundation, Inc. is no longer soliciting donations. Please view the photographs on this website to see some of the journey of Ms. Cole and The Foundation, volunteers from around the country, and the continuing recovery of one small, deserving, rural community.

Thank you to all who donated your time, talents, tithes, and good thoughts to support the work of The Pearlington Project Katrina Foundation to help the people of Pearlington, Mississippi. We all have a role to play in helping our fellow citizens recover from the worst natural disaster in US history. The work in Pearlington and along the Gulf Coast is far from complete. The Pearlington Project Katrina Foundation, Inc. encourages you to find additional ways to contribute to the ongoing work for the citizens of Pearlington, Mississippi.