back next Gulf Coast Rebuild Oxfam America launched an emergency relief effort in the United States to respond to widespread devastation caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Their work later shifted from relief to recovery, with an emphasis on ensuring that poor and vulnerable communities do not get left behind as the region rebuilds. I traveled with Oxfam writer, Coco McCabe to the outskirts of New Orleans, Louisiana - Phoenix, Houma, Lafitte, Erath, and Bayou community of Chauvin. This trip was primarily an information gathering expedition on the rebuilding efforts in these Oxfam supported areas. Progress in the rebuilding efforts seemed marked by the energy and determination of survivors like Rev. Tyronne Edwards and Dymond & Ann Thomas who have voiced their needs and stepped into leadership roles in their communities and the skilled volunteers such as Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), as well as other organizations & individuals who have stepped in to lend a hand. Others such as Burke & Barbara Saucier who had no insurance, have a long way to go before they're settled anywhere permanently. The shop behind their house, where Barbara runs a small business cleaning cars for auto dealerships, now doubles as kitchen, bathroom, sitting room, and soon-to-be-apartment for the couple--when Burke can scrape together the cash and the strength to finish it. Overall, the amount of work needed to be done before people can move back into their homes is enormous and the government support continues to be minimal. Photographs published by Oxfam America. Click to book photographer and/or find out more about Gulf Coast shoot. Click to help Oxfam America support poor & vulnerable Gulf Coast communities rebuild.