The Build it Back program, designed to help New Yorkers affected by Hurricane Sandy, is finally picking up steam, according to Mayor Bill de Blasio.

After months of complaints from residents of sluggish bureaucracy and slow response times, the Mayor said on Monday that 727 construction projects have been started and 878 reimbursement checks have been sent out, up from zero when he took office at the beginning of the year.

“This is starting to change the lives of people who have been suffering,” said de Blasio at a news conference in Broad Chanel, Queens. “Every check means a family will get back on their feet, every construction start means a family will get back in their homes.”

The Mayor made the announcement alongside Jayme and John Galimi, who are having their house rebuilt and raised 12 feet through the program. They plan on moving back into their house before Christmas.

“It’s been a long two years,” said John Galimi who encouraged other victims to enroll in the program. "It may take time, but they’ll be there.”

According to the mayor, approximately 6,400 applicants to the program have been made an offer by Build it Back and nearly 4,000 have accepted. The mayor said he hopes to have 1,000 constructions projects started and 1,500 reimbursement checks sent out before the end of the year.

Despite the results and ambitions the Mayor's office announced, Scott Battaglia, a resident of Broad Channel, said he is frustrated with the Build it Back program.

“It’s wonderful that they’re getting this house,” said Battaglia, speaking about the Galimis. "It’s great for them, but then you also have people who have nothing two doors away. I feel that there is some sort of inequality here.”

According to de Blasio, 14,000 people have applied for assistance from the program.