COUNTY RENTAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM NOT ACCEPTING NEW APPLICATIONS

County officials announced yesterday that the rental assistance program will stop accepting applications to help low-income tenants pay housing costs and monthly bills.  The Trib reports that In November the county said it would use about $80,000 in leftover funds and another $727,000 earned through bank interest over the last three years to resume the program.  Union Mission in Latrobe, which operates the program for Westmoreland County, posted a message over the weekend saying funds those funds have been exhausted and that as of Dec. 23 no new applications will be accepted as a result of overwhelming demand.  Westmoreland County Human Services Director Rob Hamilton said that they are trying to take a look at having a more hands-on approach in the coming year.