But for local residents who are still not in their homes and continue to rebuild from Sandy, the news that aid money is going elsewhere is upsetting. “It’s outrageous,” said Michele Mittleman, founder of the advocacy group Sandy Victims Fighting FEMA. “People are still homeless. I can’t see how there’s any justification for taking this money away.”

Mittleman said that after 18 months, the struggles many homeowners still face aren’t being properly conveyed to those outside the affected areas. “Even people north of Sunrise Highway have no clue,” she said. “It’s not national news anymore.”

Long Beach City Councilman Anthony Eramo is still not back in his West End home, but he said he thinks his family will be able to return this summer. “It’s been a real financial drain for my family,” Eramo said. “I know people are still struggling. The people here need the assistance.”

He said that the aid money is not only crucial in helping homeowners, but that areas like Long Beach need federal funds to help rebuild damaged infrastructure and mitigate against future storm damage.

“We’re still very vulnerable on the north side of the island,” Eramo said. “We’re looking at [installing] bulkheading and tide flex valves, but there’s going to be more we have to do. To pull aid away now would be devastating.”