March 26, 2009 - 2009 Program Enhancements
Recognizing that the current economy is hitting everyone hard, including our associates, The Homer Fund is announcing that it is now able to help even more associates. Thanks to contributions made by associates, the Fund has made several temporary enhancements for 2009 to increase the amount of aid that is provided to associates at a time when they need it most.

Effective April 1, 2009:

• the maximum amount of the Direct Grant will increase to $10,000
• the Matching Grant will match every dollar collected by associates for another associate in need with two dollars, up to $5,000
• the Fund will help associates pay their basic living expenses if they are behind due to involuntary unemployment of spouse or involuntary loss of associate's second job
• the Fund will help provide safe shelter to associates who are homeless
• the Fund will provide assistance to associates who need help with uninsured home repairs after a natural disaster or fire

Click here for details about these provisional changes.

January 30, 2009 - Maximum Direct Grant Amount Increased
The Homer Fund continues to look for ways to better assist Home Depot associates. Especially during these hard economic times, the Fund remains focused on the well-being of our associates. In 2009, The Homer Fund will commemorate 10 years of giving. To continue the tradition of taking care of our people, the Fund is announcing an increase in the grant amount for Direct Grants. Effective February 2, 2009, The Homer Fund will increase the maximum amount for a Direct Grant from $5,000 to $7,500. This increase will help more eligible associates stay in their home by preventing eviction or foreclosure of their primary residence. Associates must meet the qualifications for the Direct Grant. Click here to review grant guidelines.

January 1, 2009 - The Homer Fund’s 10 Year Anniversary
Bernie Marcus, along with Arthur Blank and Ken Langone, announced the creation of The Homer Fund during The Home Depot's 20th anniversary celebration in October 1999. The Home Depot co-founders gave $5 million each to start this unique program and since then, thousands of associates have supported the Fund.

In 2009, The Homer Fund will celebrate ten years of upholding Home Depot values: Doing the Right Thing, Giving Back, and Taking Care of Our People. Since its inception, the Fund has issued more than 28,500 grants totaling almost $26.5 million. These grants have:

• prevented the foreclosure of an associate who is struggling with cancer
• provided clothing after a fire damaged an associate's home
• helped bury loved ones when there were no other means to pay funeral expenses
• paid security deposits for an associate who lost his home in a hurricane
• helped associates recently disabled due to a car accident make their homes wheelchair accessibility