it's been almost five years since hurricane katrina slammed into new orleans exposing tragic failures in the city's preparation plans. now hundreds of volunteers want to make sure help will be available before the next storm hits. it's an example of tearing down obstacles and building up america. here's tom foreman. >> reporter: in the wake of katrina, tens of thousands of new or liens residents were stranded because they lacked transportation, knowledge or the inclination to move. beverly mitchell with a clunker of an old car was one of them. >> i didn't believe katrina was going to be so devastating. >> reporter: you found out otherwise? >> yes, i did. >> reporter: she wound up in the superdome's heat, squalor and darkness for days. now in the shadow of that same building a growing group is building up their plan to