NEW YORK (AP) — Officials say New York City's free repair program for storm- damaged homes has fixed up about 50 homes so far, while still just gearing up.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg said Monday he hopes the NYC Rapid Repairs program will complete about 300 projects per day by next week and eventually almost twice that. Officials say about 7,500 people have signed up since the service was announced Nov. 9, after Superstorm Sandy.

The program sends contractors to do essential repairs to make homes livable. Primarily, that's fixing electrical wiring and boilers so power, heat and hot water can be restored.

The city covers the costs. It's hoping for federal reimbursement.

Homeowners can sign up by going to NYC.gov, by calling 311 or by going to a city recovery center.