Waters were calm on Sauquoit Creek on Wednesday. That was hardly the case in the village of Whitesboro during Halloween week.

The village is urgently dealing with cleanup efforts.

"I got hungry people, cold people, and dirty people. I'm doing whatever I can. I'm looking daily for aid," said Whitesboro Mayor Bob Friedlander.

Local leaders feel powerless over how much help they can offer.

"We cannot say we're going to fix the problem, not fix the problem, and then put people through this," said Friedlander.

Friedlander is looking for state and federal help. He’s called in the National Guard for cleanup efforts.

"[I’ve called] to get as much [help] as I can possible,” Friedlander said. “I need immediate help."

Wednesday the guard spent the day on Main Street. Police are also working hard as out of town folks come in to scrap items they see on lawns.

"So we're trying to avoid all that for the time being and give the residents a little bit of room, a little breathing room," said Whitesboro Police Chief Jason Buley.

Residents say they’re doing a good job with cleanup.

"Police kept them out, kept the pickers out from grabbing the metal from the people and everything,” said Whitesboro resident James Gould.

But there still remain 16 homes which are unlivable and 150 damaged homes.

"At least $4,000 to $5,000 [in damages],” Gould said.

Those on Sauquoit Street say they have over $10,000 worth of damage and plenty to clean up.

"If the solution is buying out these houses, let's do it,” Friedlander said. “Is it going to affect our tax base? Sure, I don't care."

That’s why Friedlander is asking FEMA to offer a buyout. The village can't wait much longer for help, especially with a pending snow storm.

"I just know that I have residents staying in their houses without power and gas,” said Friedlander. “They've lost so much, they don't want to lose any more."

Right now it’s a matter of asking for help and waiting to see who offers a hand.