Direct Grants now have a maximum amount of $10,000. Click here to view more changes made for 2009.
| After reading the information below |
 |
In which situations will The Homer Fund provide a Direct Grant?
The Homer Fund was established to assist associates facing unavoidable emergency situations, such as hurricanes and injuries. The Fund’s Direct Grant program was created to help when associates have a financial hardship resulting from a qualifying circumstance. The kinds of situations in which the Fund may provide a Direct Grant are:
- Natural Disaster (fires, hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, etc.)
- Illness
- Injury
- Death
- Unforeseen sale/foreclosure of a home rented from a private landlord
- Homelessness
- Involuntary unemployment
^ TOP ^
For which basic living expenses will The Homer Fund provide a Direct Grant?
If an associate experiences a qualifying event (listed in section above), The Homer Fund may provide a Direct Grant for
- Past due rent /mortgage/property taxes
- Past due essential utilities – gas, water and electricity only
- Security deposit for new apartment or rental home
- Deposits to establish essential utilities in new residence
- Temporary shelter if the associate’s home is uninhabitable due to damage from a fire or other natural disaster
- Up to two months at an extended stay hotel (for homeless associates only)
- Food (in cases of natural disaster or fire, or where appropriate)
- Clothing (in cases where associate has suffered a loss of clothing, such as a natural disaster or fire, or where appropriate)
- Essential funeral expenses (such as services of the funeral director and staff, preparing and transportation for the deceased, burial or cremation containers, opening and closing of the grave, etc.)
- Uninsured home repairs due to natural disaster or fire
- Homeowners insurance deductibles
Which family members does The Homer Fund consider as eligible immediate family?
The Homer Fund considers the associate, their spouse, minor children and other dependents for which the associate is 100% financially responsible as eligible, immediate family. Typically, immediate family members are those who can be covered by the associate’s insurance. Parents, grandparents or other relatives are not considered dependents unless the associate can show they are 100% financially responsible for that relative. However, this policy does not apply when doing an Associate Matching Grant.
^ TOP ^
How do I apply for a direct grant from The Homer Fund?
What is the turnaround time to process a grant application?
The Homer Fund strives to maintain a three business day lead time (excluding weekends and holidays) from the time we receive a complete application. However, processing time will be extended in cases where we are missing documentation, signatures, or if other information is needed. When will The Homer Fund provide assistance in the situation of an illness or injury?
As a result of an illness or injury, if an associate is unable to pay for the basic necessities of living (due to medical bills and expenses, loss of income, no disability insurance, etc.), The Homer Fund may provide a Direct Grant for assistance with past due rent/mortgage and past due essential utilities (gas, water and electricity).
What information does the Fund need when reviewing a Direct Grant application?
Documentation depends on the reason for the request. At minimum the Fund requires copies of the current past due living expenses for which the associate seeks assistance to pay. If an associate is seeking assistance to move into a new apartment or rental home, we require a statement from the landlord or apartment complex showing the amounts needed to move in.
In the event of a natural disaster or fire, we require a copy of the fire report or other formal documentation validating the circumstance. In the event of illness or injury, we require a physician’s note, copies of paid medical bills, leave of absence paperwork, etc.
It’s very helpful for the associate to include a personal written statement with their direct grant application. This helps our staff “connect the dots” between the situation and the associate’s current financial hardship.
What constitutes Homer Fund fraud?
- Falsification or alteration of supporting documentation
- Signature fraud
- Intentional submission of inaccurate information
- Intentional withholding of relevant information which, if known, will result in declination
- Any attempt to intentionally deceive the Homer Fund staff
^ TOP ^
I'm currently on a leave of absence from my job. Can I still apply for Homer Fund assistance?
Yes. Associates of The Home Depot – whether active or on a company approved leave of absence – are eligible to apply for Homer Fund assistance.
I borrowed money from my friends and family to help me get caught up on my bills. Will The Homer Fund reimburse me so that I can pay them back?
No. The Homer Fund is available for those associates who do not have the means themselves or other resources available to pay their living expenses. Similarly, The Homer Fund will not reimburse money paid by an associate to move into a new apartment or rental home. The Homer Fund can assist an associate with moving into a new residence by paying the security deposit on the associate’s behalf directly to the landlord or apartment complex.
^ TOP ^
I donate to The Homer Fund. Doesn’t that make me automatically eligible for assistance?
No. Eligibility is determined by the associate’s need and circumstance. Donating to The Homer Fund is like giving to any other charity. We’re hopeful our associates donate to help others in need, not as an expectation that they deserve something in return for their gift.
Does The Homer Fund change its criteria?
Yes. Donations from associates make it possible to provide much needed services to associates in need. As the number of donors increase, The Homer Fund has more money to issue to these associates. Each year, the Fund attempts to assist more associates by extending our criteria. Comments from our associates, staff observation of needs, and legal implications help determine the areas we can cover. Click here to view our recent changes.
^ TOP ^ |
