Homeowners along Jersey shore face big challenges - New York News | NYC Breaking News

Homeowners along Jersey shore face big challenges

Henry Torres Jr. and Sr. have been living on the 2nd floor of their home in Union Beach, N.J., as they try to repair storm damage from Sandy. There is no kitchen and no heat. Temperatures will likely go below freezing this weekend.

They are among many residents of New Jersey coastal communities who won't be celebrating much this holiday season.

"There is no holiday for us here," Henry Jr. said. "It's in our hearts and souls as far as putting lights and stuff down here it's not going to happen."

The 76-year-old used to have a bedroom down here. Now he has trouble getting up the stairs and sleeping in the cold.

"It's rough especially you know when you are sleeping in the cold," Henry Sr. said.

We also met Ronnie Evans, who is also living in a construction site 7 weeks after Sandy. She said she just learned that in addition to repairs, the federal government will force her to raise her home above flood level. But she has no idea how she will pay for that.

"I have no idea who to ask. I have no idea how I'm going to pay for that," she said. "The bank won't give me a loan. You have to have money to get a loan. I guess I'll pay till foreclosure. That's it."

Volunteers hope for continued donations. Residents hope that pace of relief for insurance companies and the government will pick up.