City Light sent out a press release this afternoon saying it has to stop accepting new applications for help paying electric bills.

Project Share, a City Light program in which people contribute money towards helping low-income people pay for electricity, has run out of money.

The press release quoted Barbara Evans, a Project Share coordinator in the Mayor's Office for Senior Citizens.

"It's hard. If your lights are off and you're about to be shut off, it pains us to say go somewhere else," Evans said "But we're coming down now to a point where there are so many people seeking help and only so many dollars. The resources are not keeping pace with the need."

Inflation and a slumping economy are among the factors cited by many of those who are seeking Project Share assistance for the first time this year, Evans said in the release. Also, this is the time of year when electric bills for the late, colder winter months begin to appear.

"We're hearing from many people, 'My rent is going up, groceries are going up, gas is going up and my hours are going down,'" she said in the release. "These are the new needy. "

All contributions to Project Share directly benefit low-income customers in financial distress. None of the money raised is used for administrative purposes. Contributions are tax deductible.

To qualify for assistance, a person must meet income guidelines based on family size. Assistance varies depending on a person's circumstances. The most recipients can receive is $250, plus up to $250 more in matching funds for any payments they make on their own.

The average Project Share pledge recipient is a single parent with two children, making less than $1,500 per month and living in public housing.

Contributions can be made via mail at City of Seattle/Project Share, Treasury Services, P.O. Box 34017 Seattle, WA 98124-1017, or online.