Douglas County has been awarded $54,906 for utility assistance and other needs, according to an announcement by the Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program.

The funds can be used to make utility payments to prevent service cut-offs. It also can be used to pay one month’s rent or mortgage assistance to prevent evictions or to assist people in shelters to establish stable living conditions.

The local Emergency Food and Shelter board will take and review applications for the funds from social service agencies. The board is chaired by Jane Blocher, executive director of the Douglas County Chapter of the American Red Cross. The applications will detail how agencies will use the funds.

Agencies interested in the applications should call 843-3550. Completed applications should be taken to Blocher’s office at 2518 Ridge Court by 4:30 p.m. March 14.