Abstract
Hurricane Katrina devastated the social, economic, and physical infrastructure of communities along the Gulf Coast, and many organizations responded in a massive effort to meet their needs. Building from a livelihoods theoretical framework emphasizing the vulnerability-resiliency continuum, this research note focuses on informing services provided during post-disaster relief, recovery, and redevelopment. Based on a case study conducted in East Biloxi, Mississippi, we describe a project that included a needs assessment survey and qualitative interviews. Research findings address the expressed needs of community members following the disaster, types of relief and recovery assistance provided to them, and the kinds of social relationships observed between service providers and survivors. We conclude with a discussion of what communities might do to reduce vulnerability and improve resiliency as they redevelop their social infrastructure.
Recommended Citation
Green, John, Duane Gill, and Anna Kleiner. 2006. "From Vulnerability to Resiliency: Assessing Impacts and Responses to Disaster." Journal of Rural Social Sciences, 21(2): Article 6. Available at: https://egrove.olemiss.edu/jrss/vol21/iss2/6
Publication Date
12-31-2006
