Mayor Michael Bloomberg is announcing New York City’s first purchase of a home damaged by Superstorm Sandy.

The acquisition is part of the city’s “Build it Back” program. It uses federal funds to offer homeowners the option to repair or leave property which suffered severe damage during last year’s historic storm.

The Staten Island home was owned by Patricia Dresch, whose husband and 13-year-old daughter were killed in the storm.

Dresch says she “couldn’t go back there anymore.”

Bloomberg says more than 25,000 New Yorkers have signed up for the program. But it’s unclear how many want to sell their homes.

The mayor also warns that there could be delays with the program if the federal government shutdown continues.

(AP)