Allegheny County and the city of Pittsburgh this afternoon announced the creation of a Homeless Prevention & Rapid Re-Housing Program to provide financial assistance and other services to homeless individuals and families.

The program was established with funding from the more than $14 million the county received for human services programs from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

In launching the program, County Executive Dan Onorato and Mayor Luke Ravenstahl announced a hot line number -- 1-877-350-HPRP -- for individuals and families that are homeless or near homeless to learn about the services available to help them maintain or obtain housing

The hot line will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, or people can also visit www.alleghenycounty.us/recovery/hprp/program.aspx

The program is designed to provide short-term assistance with rent, utility payments, relocation services and access to counseling.

In order to qualify for assistance under the program, participants must be homeless or about to become homeless. In addition, households must be below 50 percent of the area median income, which for a family of four is $31,250, and must have no other housing options or financial support resources to obtain housing.

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