Firefighters help clean out damaged homes in Queens

Off-duty firefighters help clean out damaged homes in Queens

More than 400 homes in Breezy Point, Queens, have now been both pumped and gutted by off-duty FDNY firefighters and other volunteers.

Barbara Joyce is the latest homeowner to have her home saved by these crews.

More than a hundred homes burned down as Sandy hit Breezy Point. Dozens more, including Barbara's, were badly damaged by floods.

Firefighter Kevin Adams lives in Breezy Point and helped put together Operation Breezy Gut and Pump. And with the help of friends like Erin, what was originally a small effort has grown.

Retired firefighter Charlie Norris came from Ohio. Edward Manly is here from Florida. He has been working 18-hour days for over a week and doesn't plan on quitting anytime soon.

The problem is they need more help. They need more volunteers and also donations of hand tools, such as crowbars, hammers, shovels, and also rubber boots.

And though the National Guard has been around, volunteers say they're frustrated with the lack of resources coming in from the state and federal government.

Despite their frustrations they won't stop because right now for residents like Barbara the volunteers are their only hope.

IF YOU CAN HELP, CALL THE OPERATIONS COORDINATOR AT 347-533-0200.