The Westmoreland County commissioners today announced a Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program, which will serve individuals and families who are at risk of homelessness because of loss of employment or illness or lack of a support system.

The $1.8 million program is being funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. It is a one-time grant that is available for three years, said Terri Yurcisin, deputy director of the county's Department of Planning and Development.

Clients will receive financial help for 18 months after an initial consultation with a case manager. They may be able to receive short-term help with rental payment assistance, utility and rent security deposits, overdue utility bill assistance and hotel vouchers.

"Our goal is to help people with immediate needs to transition into safe and stable housing and return to self-sufficiency as soon as possible," said Tom Balya, commissioners chairman.

He and the other commissioners, Tom Ceraso and Chuck Anderson, have selected three agencies that will offer these services: Westmoreland County Action, the Westmoreland County Housing Authority and the Private Industry Council of Westmoreland/Fayette, Inc. The county's Redevelopment Authority will administer the program.

"We are now averaging 30 calls each day [from those needing assistance]," said John Sproull, vice president of finance for the Private Industry Council.

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