NY, NJ plod through Sandy recovery with hope; 6 months later, thousands still homeless

Homes severely damaged last October by Superstorm Sandy, are seen along the beach Thursday, April 25, 2013, in Mantoloking, N.J. Six months after Sandy devastated the Jersey shore and New York City and pounded coastal areas of New England, the region is dealing with a slow and frustrating, yet often hopeful, recovery. (AP Photo/Mel Evans) (The Associated Press)

97963a20-APTOPIX Superstorm Sandy 6 Months Later

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Flags decorate a fence Thursday, April 25, 2013, in Brick, N.J., around the burned remains of more than 60 small bungalows at Camp Osborn which were destroyed last October during Superstorm Sandy. Six months after Sandy devastated the Jersey shore and New York City and pounded coastal areas of New England, the region is dealing with a slow and frustrating, yet often hopeful, recovery. (AP Photo/Mel Evans) (The Associated Press)

The Jet Star roller coaster rests in the ocean Thursday, April 25, 2013, in Seaside Heights, N.J., near the rebuilding of the boardwalk. Six months after Superstorm Sandy, the roller coaster that plunged off a pier in Seaside Heights is still in the ocean, although demolition plans are finally moving forward. The region is dealing with a slow and frustrating, yet often hopeful, recovery. (AP Photo/Mel Evans) (The Associated Press)

MANTOLOKING, N.J. – Six months after Superstorm Sandy, tens of thousands of people in New York and New Jersey remain homeless and communities are still struggling to recover.

But progress has been made as well. New boardwalks will be ready for summer, and homes are being elevated even as ruined ones are bulldozed.

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo says some people are doing just fine while others are facing "horrendous" obstacles to recovery.

The federal government has paid billions in flood insurance claims and housing assistance in the two states, with more to come.

Lynda Fricchione (frik-ee-OHN'), whose Toms River, N.J., home was ruined, says a trip to New Orleans showed her people and communities can recover from terrible storms.