What Oxfam is Doing
A string of late-season hurricanes in 2005 spared few on the US Gulf Coast, but poor people fared the worst. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita spurred Oxfam America’s first relief and recovery effort in the US—an effort that continues today, as Oxfam works with local organizations to help communities build back better than they were before.
Oxfam's immediate response to the hurricanes has grown into a five-year, $12 million program in Mississippi and Louisiana, which focuses on safe and affordable housing as well as worker and immigrant rights. The program combines financial support to key partner organizations with on-the-ground technical support.
Recognizing that the federal and state governments bear primary responsibility for disaster recovery and have committed upward of $100 billion of public funds, Oxfam engages local residents and community groups in advocacy efforts to ensure that the post-disaster reconstruction process addresses the needs of the region's most vulnerable residents and communities.
Oxfam's program focuses on the coastal regions of Mississippi and the southern rural parishes of Louisiana. During 2007-2008 Oxfam has made grants to over 50 local partner organizations. Oxfam has also provided support in the form of technical assistance, research, advocacy, and communications.
Oxfam partners in the Gulf Coast are rebuilding homes; enforcing worker rights; and providing specialized case management, disaster risk reduction, community organizing, and state and federal advocacy efforts. With our partners' support, thousands of homes have been gutted for rebuilding or have been repaired. On six occasions, Oxfam partners have testified to the US Congress about the recovery.
In addition, by providing financial, organizational, and technical support, Oxfam has supported local leaders in forming seven new organizations: Hope Coordination Center, Coastal Women for Change, Zion Travelers Cooperative Center, Steps Coalition, Bayou Grace Community Services, New Orleans Workers' Center for Racial Justice, and Puentes New Orleans Inc. Oxfam America co-founded and served as co-chair of the Gulf Coast Funders for Equity, a collaborative effort of grant makers in the Gulf Coast region.