Dozens of victims displaced by Hurricane Sandy have been told their FEMA temporary housing vouchers have expired. It means FEMA is no longer paying for their hotel rooms where they've been staying since November.
The word came this weekend to some of the 200 people who were bussed to three Wildwood hotels when their homes were damaged by the storm.
"I've lost all my furniture. All I have is what's here," said Brian Sotelo of Toms River.
Sotelo, along with this wife and three kids, spent his last day at The Days Inn packing up a moving truck heading to Jacksonville, Florida to stay with family. Sotelo says the family has no other choice since rental home prices in Toms River have skyrocketed.
"We can't afford to live here any more with everything that's going on." he said.
FEMA extended temporary housing benefits to more than 1,100 people in New Jersey. But dozens we spoke with say their vouchers expired on Friday. A spokesman could not tell us why some were extended and some were denied.
"I can't understand why we can't have just a little more time" said Brian Polhaumus of West Wildwood. His rental home also suffered major damage. Since he is unemployed he will now try to stay with friends or family, but nothing is definite.
The Wiegman family from Seaside Heights has been living out of a hotel room since November 6th. The family was one of the lucky ones since they received a housing extension for another two weeks.
"It's stressful, the nerves, all week long, scared, the insomnia, the worrying, the praying..wondering if we'll be living under the boardwalk" says Jackie Wiegman.
"Somebody has to help us in Wildwood. They forgot about us here. And that's sad" said Debbie Wiegman.
Although hotels won't get reimbursed by FEMA for those who do not have vouchers, owners of hotels like The Days Inn and The Bolero Resort say they'll be letting victims stay a few nights.
"They're pretty much desperate. Really I think they've forgotten them here" says Bolero Resort owner Wally Lerro.
A FEMA spokesman says transitional housing, like hotels are meant as an assistance program not a solution. They say help is available to victims to find more permanent housing at FEMA.gov.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:01 AM EDT2013-05-20 11:01:26 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.
Tuesday, April 16 2013 9:28 PM EDT2013-04-17 01:28:48 GMT
The shock of Monday's bombing at the Boston Marathon has turned to sadness and anger, but there is a new sense of community and patriotism among the people of Boston.
The shock of Monday's bombing at the Boston Marathon has turned to sadness and anger, but there is a new sense of community and patriotism among the people of Boston.
Monday, May 20 2013 10:24 AM EDT2013-05-20 14:24:20 GMT
The person who bought a winning Mega Millions lottery ticket sold in New Jersey has yet to claim the prize. The winner matched all six numbers in Friday's drawing
The person who bought a winning Mega Millions lottery ticket sold in New Jersey has yet to claim the prize. The winner matched all six numbers in Friday's drawing
Monday, May 20 2013 7:48 AM EDT2013-05-20 11:48:34 GMT
Pounding winds and violent surf from Hurricane Sandy left their mark on Ocean City, NJ. Beaches were washed out and there's concern about debris washing up. But Mayor Jay Gillian says no need to worry.
Mayor of Ocean City says no need to worry about debris filled beaches after Hurricane Sandy. He says plans have been taking place to make sure they're safe and clean.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:40 AM EDT2013-05-20 11:40:41 GMT
It was a soupy start today. We can expect many clouds, some sun, lots of humidity, and a chance of pop up showers any time. At least it'll be warmer: High around 80-degrees today.
The weather remains unsettled through most of the work week. Warm temps stick around, too. And we do mean stick...because it'll be humid, too.
By Thursday a cold front moves by bringing more rain. It will also bring drier and cooler weather by Friday as we finally clear out.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:01 AM EDT2013-05-20 11:01:26 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.
Sunday, May 19 2013 8:20 AM EDT2013-05-19 12:20:57 GMT
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Finding a job without a college degree can be a difficult task, even if you're a war veteran. Now, they have the opportunity to turn their military training into college credits.
Sunday, May 19 2013 7:58 AM EDT2013-05-19 11:58:46 GMT
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Once hailed as a hero after surviving a shotgun blast to his face in 2007, a former police officer is now charged with raping and sexually assaulting two women at gunpoint he met at a party.
Sunday, May 19 2013 1:45 AM EDT2013-05-19 05:45:51 GMT
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery.
A Powerball jackpot-winning ticket worth an estimated $590.5 million was sold in Florida, but there were also million-dollar winners sold in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, according to the lottery's website.
A victim of Sandy prepares to move out of a hotel room in Wildwood, New Jersey.
