Hurricane Sandy forced them from their homes. Now FEMA may force some victims from their temporary homes.
More than a dozen families have been staying at the Days Inn in Wildwood since their homes were damaged or destroyed by the storm.
"We are stuck in this room" said Renee Sotelo from Toms River. She, her husband and daughters ages 6 and 9 years old have spent the last 2 month in room 211.
"Pretty cramped living in a hotel room with children and no real home"
When Sotelo's rental home in Toms River was destroyed, FEMA sent the family to Wildwood on November 6th and they've been staying here ever since. But the family was told by a FEMA representative last week their stay may be ending. Their temporary housing vouchers will end on January 11th and so far the state has not extended the deadline. It means victims will have to fend for themselves.
"Everyone is out on the street. Right now I'm trying to get to Jacksonville Florida where my family is" said Sotelo.
Most Sandy refugees we spoke with say they would like to rent a new apartment but rental prices have skyrocketed since Sandy.
"A two bedroom that went for 800 before is now going for 1600" Sotelo said.
But despite the move to a new town and adjusting to a new school Sotelo's 9-year-old daughter put it all in perspective.
"I got my family. That's all that matters..as long as you have your family..family is everything"
FEMA says 240 New Jersey hotels are still housing Sandy victims. So far FEMA has distributed $1.5 billion dollars in assistance.
Monday, May 20 2013 1:25 PM EDT2013-05-20 17:25:38 GMT
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night. "It's like a nightmare, it's the worst nightmare anyone can think of. I keep thinking
A text message that says "I'm about to leave" is the last time Janet Royer had contact with her son Thursday night.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 8:31 PM EDT2013-05-15 00:31:38 GMT
Kermit Gosnell will spend the rest of his life in prison. The 72-year old abortion provider has waived his right to appeal the first-degree murder charge issued by a jury just one day ago.Dr. Kermit Gosnell
Kermit Gosnell will spend the rest of his life in prison. The 72-year old abortion provider has waived his right to appeal the first-degree murder charge issued by a jury just one day ago.
Monday, May 13 2013 7:03 AM EDT2013-05-13 11:03:57 GMT
It was a heartbreaking Mother's Day for the mom of a shooting victim gunned down on South Street as she travels to Philadelphia to identify the body of her son.
It was a heartbreaking Mother's Day for the mom of a shooting victim gunned down on South Street as she travels to Philadelphia to identify the body of her son.
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:35 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:35:48 GMT
To the everyday on-looker, Lacey Barchart is just your average young girl.She likes playing with her stuffed animals and her friends. But, she sees the world just a bit differently than one might guess.
Brave little Lacey lives a normal life, but there is more to her than what meets the eye.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:36 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:36:20 GMT
Rapper-producer Sean "Diddy" Combs has paid a marketing visit to Pennsylvania's capital city. Combs visited with Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board officials on Wednesday to promote a
Rapper-producer Sean "Diddy" Combs has paid a marketing visit to Pennsylvania's capital city. Combs visited with Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board officials on Wednesday to promote a
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:19 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:19:45 GMT
Firefighters are at the scene of an apartment building fire in Allentown where authorities say one person has been found dead, but his death is believed to be unrelated to the blaze.
Firefighters are at the scene of an apartment building fire in Allentown where authorities say one person has been found dead, but his death is believed to be unrelated to the blaze.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:06 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:06:41 GMT
You ordered Grey Goose but got Popov? An undercover sting busts dozens of bars accused of serving you bottom shelf booze at top shelf prices, and one major chain was caught up in the bar boondoggle.
You ordered Grey Goose but got Popov? An undercover sting busts dozens of bars accused of serving you bottom shelf booze at top shelf prices, and one major chain was caught up in the bar boondoggle.
Thursday, May 23 2013 5:55 AM EDT2013-05-23 09:55:21 GMT
Today's weather? Cloudy, muggy, and eventually, stormy. If you get a strong to severe storm, it would probably be lat afternoon and evening. Highs in the upper 70s. Some of the storms will produce locally heavy rain and gusty winds.
This system is from the same cold front that caused the midwest tornadoes. It will also usher in cooler air for the holiday weekend.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:39 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:39:12 GMT
The volunteer effort in Oklahoma is underway. Groups from across the country have hit the road, delivering hot meals to anyone in need. One local organization is doing what they can to help the victims
The volunteer effort in Oklahoma is underway. Groups from across the country have hit the road, delivering hot meals to anyone in need. One local organization is doing what they can to help the victims
Wednesday, May 22 2013 5:04 PM EDT2013-05-22 21:04:25 GMT
Veteran narcotics officer Jeff Walker was part of some of Philadelphia's most celebrated drug raids including a huge marijuana bust that netted $1.5 million dollars in pot. Now Walker finds himself on
Veteran narcotics officer Jeff Walker was part of some of Philadelphia's most celebrated drug raids including a huge marijuana bust that netted $1.5 million dollars in pot. Now Walker finds himself on
Thursday, May 23 2013 10:06 AM EDT2013-05-23 14:06:33 GMT
Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:07 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:07:03 GMT
The NYPD arrested a suspect in the latest anti-gay attack in the city, said police.
The NYPD arrested a suspect in the latest anti-gay attack in the city, said police. The incident Monday night involved two men, who police say, had met at the Bowery Mission and went out drinking together in the East Village. Roman Gornell, 39, was arrested on Wednesday.
Thursday, May 23 2013 9:05 AM EDT2013-05-23 13:05:21 GMT
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt made a trip to the birthplace of Frank Sinatra on Wednesday night to promote his new movie, "World War Z."
Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt made a trip to the birthplace of Frank Sinatra on Wednesday night to promote his new movie, "World War Z." Pitt stunned the crowd at the Clearview Cinemas when he walked in just before the start of the special screening.
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:23 AM EDT2013-05-23 11:23:09 GMT
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
Thursday, May 23 2013 6:28 AM EDT2013-05-23 10:28:29 GMT
The parolee shot and killed along with a Hofstra University student by police won praise from a state parole panel in 2011 before his conditional release from prison.
The parolee shot and killed along with a Hofstra University student by police won praise from a state parole panel in 2011 before his conditional release from prison.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 10:08 PM EDT2013-05-23 02:08:29 GMT
A bus chaperone is accused of going on a profanity-laced tirade towards a group of 12 and 13-year-olds and a piece of candy may be what started the incident.
A bus chaperone is accused of going on a profanity-laced tirade towards a group of 12 and 13-year-olds and a piece of candy may be what started the incident.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:46 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:46:23 GMT
The New York City Police Department says it is beefing up security at the British consulate, military recruiting stations and other locations due to an apparent terror attack in London.
The New York City Police Department says it is beefing up security at the British consulate, military recruiting stations and other locations due to an apparent terror attack in London.
