Mercer County Housing Authority will bend its rules to provide housing for people displaced by Sunday's tornado and at least one local landlord is offering storm victims a month of free rent.

With the authority board's unofficial backing, Executive Director L. DeWitt Boosel said the authority will waive income guidelines and a mandatory one-year lease, and set aside waiting lists to allow dislocated families to stay in authority apartments.

"Bending the rules, yes, but we need to come to the table," Boosel said Wednesday.

The authority has seven apartments open at Fay Terrace in Pymatuning Township and two senior units at Lavigne Manor, Farrell, said occupancy manager Holly Nogay.

Board members supported the proposal.

"If we have available housing, why let it sit?" said board member Timothy Jablon.

"Let's take our chances and help these people and face the consequences," said board member the Rev. Robert Chavers.

The authority does not have a disaster plan or a way to handle people who are suddenly homeless, Boosel said. Anyone who is bumped back on the waiting list would have a legitimate complaint, he said.

Boosel did not seek a vote from the board on the move to insulate them from any repercussions.

Officials said they believe the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, which oversees the authority, would support the action. Ms. Nogay said a HUD official asked her about available units.

Mercer County Commissioner Olivia Lazor said she knew of a man who could be aided by the authority.

He rented in Clark and his apartment was destroyed, but he did not have tenant's insurance, which would have paid the cost of temporary housing, she said.

The man is a carpenter, and his truck and tools also were destroyed, she said.

"I'm really pleased and I commend you for this action," Mrs. Lazor told the board.

In all, 13 homes were destroyed and more than 100 properties sustained some sort of damage, Mrs. Lazor said.

Boosel said the authority will look into creating a disaster policy.

In the meantime, George Maier, owner of Shenango Towers in Sharon, said he has a few vacant apartments and is offering one month's free rent to storm victims who have been displaced. He can be reached at (724) 347-0495.