This article is based on a keynote presentation delivered at the Alabama Poverty Project Lifetime of Learning Summit at the University of Montevallo on September 30, 2011. Conference organizers asked for the perspective of a survivor of a significant natural disaster, for information regarding Louisiana's recovery from hurricanes Katrina and Rita in the shortand long-term, and for advice on rebuilding and recovery within the framework of poverty eradication. This paper details the author's experiences in the 2005 hurricanes and lessons learned through subsequent communityengagement efforts.