Staten Island families who lost their homes during Sandy are getting a chance to start over in Connecticut.
Close to a dozen families got a first look at their new homes in New Milford on Thursday.
Faith Church, along with the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, are providing temporary housing for those displaced by the storm. The homes won't cost the families a dime and they will be fully furnished.
"I am so touched," Denise Kuper, a displaced Staten Island resident, said. "I can't even explain it really."
Kuper and her mother will move in to one of the new homes. The lost everything when Sandy struck. They've been living in a shelter ever since.
"I feel like we are going to have a new start and I am just blessed," Kuper said.
Deborah and Bob Rassi also lost their home and have been living in a shelter since Hurricane Sandy. Bob held on to a lamppost for 13 hours as the water rose around his State Island home.
"That night I didn't think I'd make it because it was very very cold and I couldn't swim," Bob Rassi, said. "It didn't look good."
The Rassis were overcome with emotion seeing where the new house would be. He never thought he'd be in this possition, knowing he almost lost his life.
"It's an unbelievable end to a story," Rassi said.
Many of the families have been living in shelters since the storm hit and emotions ran high as they toured the homes on Thursday.
In all, 25 modular homes will be put on land owned by the church and families will be able to move in starting Dec. 23.
Donations are still needed including housewares and furniture. You can donate through Faith Church and the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Photo Credit: Jeff Saperstone, NBC Connecticut