Some residents from Gerritsen Beach are finally able to speak the words 'there is no place like home' after being displaced by Sandy for five years.

Stephen Rubman's home was destroyed in the storm, but thanks to the city's Build It Back program he was able to find a temporary home while his was rebuilt.

"I got the green light to move back in just this July 4th weekend," says Rubman. "It's the greatest feeling. It's like you have been out of your element and I love living here in Gerritsen."

In addition to Rubman, Joyce Burrafuto returned home to the place where she has lived for 20 years.

"I didn't realize how much I missed my home until I got back in," says Burrafuto.

The Build It Back program has completed more than 1,500 homes across the five boroughs since October.