2009 PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS

The Homer Fund understands that today's economy is hitting everyone hard. Our associates are included in the thousands of people in financial crisis as a result of the state of the economy.

In an effort to continue living The Home Depot values, the Fund is announcing that it is now able to help even more associates. Because of the generous contributions made by associates, the Fund has made several temporary* enhancements for 2009 to increase the amount of aid that is provided to associates during this unprecedented time of need.

Effective April 1, 2009:

• the maximum amount of the Direct Grant will increase to $10,000 per circumstance within a 12-month period
• the Matching Grant will match every dollar collected by associates for another associate in need with two dollars; the maximum amount of a Matching Grant is $5,000
• if associates collect $1,000 for an associate in need, The Homer Fund will send a check for $2,000 and the associate will receive a total of $3,000
• if associates collect $3,000 for an associate in need, The Homer Fund will send a check for $5,000 and the associate will receive a total of $8,000
• the Fund will help associates pay their basic living expenses that have fallen behind due to involuntary unemployment of spouse or involuntary loss of associate's second job, up to $10,000
  • Lay-offs, job closure, lack of work and other job loss beyond the control of the associate or spouse only
    • Does not apply to loss of job resulting from termination/firing due to poor job performance, violation of company policy, etc.
    • Loss of Home Depot employment does not qualify
  • Job loss must have taken place within the last six months
• the Fund will help provide safe shelter to associates who are homeless, up to $10,000
  • Applies to associates without physical shelter
  • May assist with paying security deposit to move into new residence, provided associate can show financial ability to pay monthly rent, OR
  • May assist with paying for up to two months stay at an extended stay hotel to allow associate to stabilize finances and get back on their feet
• the Fund will provide assistance to associates who need help with uninsured home repairs after a natural disaster (hurricane, ice storm, wildfire, etc) or fire, up to $10,000
  • Does not pay for repairs where sufficient insurance is available
  • May assist associates with insurance deductible, up to $1,000, if they cannot afford to pay

*Enhancements are temporary, applicable for 2009. The Homer Fund will reassess these changes to determine continuation or termination.