DREAM HOUSE-The Murphy family pitches in with Habitat for Humanity for part of their family vacation during August. The house they are working on is one of 80 being rebuilt in the Ninth Ward of New Orleans, part of the area's Musicians Village. From the left is Joelle, 21; Leah, 19; and Keely Murphy, 16. Although it's been a year since Hurricane Katrina hit, the devastation it caused still lingers in much of the Gulf Coast.

The Murphy family of Moorpark decided to take action and voluntered to lend a hand with Habitat for Humanity in New Orleans. Many who lost everything during the hurricane still don't have homes.

Katrina was the deadliest and costliest hurricane in the history of the U.S.

"Volunteers are still needed for the rebuilding of this area," Janet Murphy said.

While it damaged a widespread area, Katrina created more long-lasting damage in New Orleans because the forces of the hurricane breeched the levee system, causing massive flooding that displaced a large percentage of the city's residents.

The hurricane struck in late August 2005, caused about $81.2 billion in damages, and, according to statistics, killed at least 1,830 people.

The Murphy family worked in the Ninth Ward's Musicians' Village. "We were all quite shocked by the destruction and mess in the Ninth Ward," said Dave Murphy. Outside of downtown, little has been done to help people. "The governments, the insurance companies and the media are failing these Americans," he said.

Volunteers have been chipping at the mound of destruction.

The Murphy family chose to help Habitat for Humanity because it's a well-known organization and a key part of the rebuilding efforts in the hardest-hit said.

"Our county needs to do more to help, to clean, to rebuild houses and stores so people can move back into their homes," said Keely Murphy, 16, the youngest sibling.

But there's still much to be done, according to her sister, Leah Murphy, 19. "I hope more people will see the need and keep volunteering in New Orleans," she said. "It was unbelievably hot and humid, but we felt it was worth doing a small part."

Habitat is always seeking volunteers, said Melissa Manuselis, volunteer coordinator for the organization. Once the 80 homes at the current Musicians' Village site in the Ninth Ward are completed, Habitat will branch out and continue with the village concept on other areas of New Orleans, Janet Murphy said. Habitat projects in the U.S. and around the world rely solely on volunteerism, she sites in the area. The organization is currently scheduling through April, and volunteers will be needed through next summer and for years to come, Manuselis said in an e-mail. "Even volunteering for one day can be a big help," she said.

Those who are interested should e-mail Manuselis at volunteer@habitat-nola.org with the specific dates, the number of people volunteering and a cellphone number. For general inquiries and questions regarding travel and lodging in the area, contact assistant volunteer coordinator Sabrina Jacks at Sabrinaj@habitat-nola.org