In this video by Dee Davis and the Center for Rural Strategies, residents of rural Louisiana and Mississippi describe the destruction of hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Community development leaders from around the region discuss the need for a public response that supports local initiative, encourages volunteerism, and puts the nation's resources to work in hard-hit communities.

Produced by Dee Davis and Marty Newell. Directed by Dee Davis and Joel Cohen. Copyright © 2006 by the Center for Rural Strategies.