Direct Grants can award up to $10,000 to an eligible associate in financial hardship. A Direct Grant may be awarded one time per circumstance within a 12-month period. In order to receive a Direct Grant, an associate must meet the minimum two-part criteria. The associate must have a qualifying circumstance AND a qualifying expense. Having one without the other generally means the situation does not meet the criteria for a Direct Grant. 

Below is a chart detailing the basic criteria for a Direct Grant. This chart is a very reliable way of determining if your hardship qualifies for a Direct Grant. It is important to remember that the circumstances below cover the associate, their spouse or legal dependents only (parents, grandparents and siblings generally do not fall in this category). For more information on the Direct Grant, view the FAQs. If your situation is not in this chart, you will not be able to access the Direct Grant application. However, you may review the guidelines for a Matching Grant, or call a Homer Fund staff member at (800) 654-0688 x12611 to discuss other options. 

HOW TO APPLY

• If you are an associate in need and, after reviewing the chart below, you feel you meet the minimum criteria for a Direct Grant, please contact a salaried manager at your Home Depot location to apply for assistance.
• If you are a salaried manager applying on behalf of an associate in need, CLICK ON THE APPROPRIATE CIRCUMSTANCE in the chart below, take the quick-test and begin the application process.
  • Forward supporting documentation (i.e., copies of past due bills) to The Homer Fund. You may upload these electronically as part of your online application, or you may fax them to (770) 384-2612. Samples of supporting documentation may be found here.

*Covered only after demonstrated need; maximum amount is $1,000
**Food and clothing may be considered under all eligible circumstances; however, eligibility for this expense will be determined on a case by case basis.