GRANT PROGRAMS
The Homer Fund® provides financial assistance to associates facing unexpected hardships, offers scholarships to associates’ children based on financial need and academic performance, and supports our people with financial information to help them prepare for emergencies. Since 1999, The Homer Fund has awarded more than 200,000 grants totaling nearly $300 million to assist associates and their families facing unexpected hardships.
• Direct grants of up to $10,000 help associates facing emergencies and tragic events, such as the death of a parent or child, natural disasters, illness or injury, a spouse’s layoff and more.
• Matching grants are a unique way the Homer Fund recognizes the generosity of our people toward one another. When associates collect donations for a co-worker in need, their money is matched by The Homer Fund — $2 for every $1 associates collect, up to $5,000 or the associate’s actual need. Matching grants may be used for expenses that are ineligible for direct grants. They also may be used to complement direct grants, providing additional support.
+CHECK IT OUT: Learn how The Homer Fund touched lives through the generosity of fellow associates. #OrangeAtHeart.
ASSOCIATE SPOTLIGHTS
As a member of The Home Depot team for 16 years, Celin has assisted hundreds of customers with home repairs and improvements. But when a windstorm blew through and damaged his roof, Celin was suddenly in a position of needing home repairs of his own.
Unfortunately, his homeowner’s insurance didn’t cover the costs. Celin talked to his store manager and put in an application for assistance from The Homer Fund. It was approved, and, thanks to generous donations from fellow associates, The Homer Fund was able to help repair his roof to keep the rain and weather outside, allowing his family to enjoy the comforts of home without worrying about leaks.
As Celin told us, that’s the power of The Homer Fund. Of giving what you can, when you can. He has contributed to the Fund for as long as can remember, and he encourages his department to do the same. After all, it was there to cover him and his family when they needed it most.
In early 2020, the global pandemic began affecting families in our communities nationwide. Deshun’s family was no exception. Her husband, a barber for 15 years, lost his job due to the state’s stay at home orders. Instantly, half the household income was gone – an income that supports Deshun, her husband and three college-age children.
Store management had been checking in weekly with associates on the pandemic’s impact. That’s when Deshun heard about a pandemic-specific grant she may qualify for. She applied and was approved in a short time. The assistance she received helped fill the financial gaps, providing for daily needs, covering several major bills and helping her family stay on track.
Now, Deshun’s husband is back at work, and things are moving in a positive direction. As a Home Depot associate for 22 years, Deshun has always given to The Homer Fund. And, although the pandemic made her an unexpected recipient, she’s grateful it was there for her and her family.