New homes for Superstorm Sandy victims

NEW MILFORD, Conn. (WTNH)-- More than a dozen Staten Island residents, who lost everything in Superstorm Sandy, are getting a new place to call home, just in time for Christmas.

Connie Dong has all the joy and excitement of a child on Christmas morning.  Why shouldn't she?  This Christmas, Connie received a house.

"I was brushing my teeth this morning, and I said, 'my eyes are smiling again,'  which I hadn't recognized," said Dong.

Connie used to live on Staten Island. Her home washed away by Hurricane Sandy.  Since then, she's been living in shelters, until she learned of a new sub-division, located on the property of a New Milford church.

"Right now I'm just taking it all in, just to even have my own little personal space is such a luxury.  You change your goals, your priorities, everything changes," said Dong.

The 20 mobile homes, which will serve as temporary housing, were bought by a non-profit group called "Tunnel to Towers." All they needed was a place to put it.  

That's where Pastor Frank Santora of "Faith Church" stepped in.

"It's really our joy to do it.  The Scripture says it's more blessed to give rather than receive, you don't really realize that, until you do it and put it into practice," said Santora.

"They put food!  They put food in the cupboards!" said Dong.

Connie, a nurse,  is planning on rebuilding her life here, always remembering, always giving thanks for her first Christmas in Connecticut.

"It's just human nature you say, 'what have I done that I'm now in this position?  What have I done to deserve this?' The question really is, 'What I have done to deserve this?" said Dong.

The church is looking for some added things to help these people out.  They need about four used cars so people like Connie can get to and from work.  They need those cars donated. 

Second, they need some cash.  About six to ten kids are going to be living in the facility.  They'll  be going to school at the church.  And of course, that takes money.  

For more information, visit http://www.faithchurchct.com/