UNION BEACH, N.J. -- A 150-year-old house that was so badly damaged by Sandy in Union Beach, N.J., that it was featured on the cover of Newsweek still has a chance to be saved, its occupant says.

Jon Zois, who has lived in the home for the past six months, told NBC 4 New York that his father and aunt, who own the home, have already had engineers look at whether it could be saved.

Zois said they were told it could, but at a very steep price that likely his family could not afford. 

"If there's anybody who wants to make this their cause, they're welcome to come help us out," Zois said.

A friend of Zois has already set up a website to help him and his girlfriend meet basic costs of being Sandy refugees.

But he said he really gets upset at people who drive by his Front Street home just to gawk and then drive off.

"It's my home, it's not a freak show," Zois said.

A neighbor upset with tourists put up a sign in front of Zois' home that reads, "Drop the camera and help."

Zois agreed, saying if people don't want to donate to individuals in need, they should consider the Red Cross or other Sandy relief funds. 

Mario Tama / Getty Images

The Princess Cottage, built in 1855, remains standing in Union Beach, N.J., after being ravaged by flooding by Hurricane Sandy. Click on this photo to see more images from Sandy's aftermath.

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