Hollywood actor Brad Pitt visited New Orleans sans partner Angelina Jolie to mark the fifth anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

In an interview aired Friday on NBC Nightly News, Pitt recalled what he saw when he visited New Orleans after the hurricane.

'It was unfathomable. I mean, just -- you had no idea that there were families. It was just wiped clean. Except for the occasional pile up of homes and -- on top of homes,' he said.

Pitt said he felt compelled to help. In 2007, he helped found Make It Right, a project that has built 34 eco-friendly homes and now wants 150 more built, reports usmagazine.com.

'I mean, people build their lives here. And -- and -- I mean, New Orleans is a unique place to begin with. And I say -- a cultural treasure trove for -- for America to begin with,' he said.

'But the thing that struck me was that these people were trying to -- you know, these people were trying to get home. And -- and were having a very difficult time doing so,' he added.

Singer Faith Hill performed a free concert to support rebuilding efforts Tuesday.