Announcements
May23, 2011 - Joplin, Missouri Devastated By Tornado
On May 22, 2011, Joplin, Missouri was hit by a tornado which destroyed a large part of the city. The Home Depot store #3023 was demolished and a valued associate was lost. The Homer Fund has began the process of helping impacted associates by ensuring their basic needs are met. Grants to help with food, clothing and shelter will be provided to all impacted associates.
Associate donations ensure that The Homer Fund is able to provide immediate assistance during natural disasters and other unexpected events. Click here to make a donation that will be used to help our Joplin, MO associates in their time of need.
April 29, 2011- Storm Relief 2011
The Homer Fund helps in many unforeseen situations. However, the Fund is most known for its ability to react quickly in cases of natural disasters. When Home Depot associates are faced with weather-related crisis, The Homer Fund offers immediate assistance, providing shelter, food and clothing to impacted associates.
Most recently, associates in the Midwest and Southeastern areas of the country have been affected by devastating storms and tornadoes. The Fund is currently assisting the associates in these areas by removing the financial burden of paying for temporary shelter, clothing and food while they are displaced and trying to determine their next steps. If needed, the Fund may also assist associates who need help paying for home repairs or paying the security deposit needed to move into a new place.
The Homer Fund is able to assist associates impacted by hurricanes, tornadoes, wildfires and other weather-related tragedies due to the generosity of Home Depot associates. If you'd like to take part in ensuring associates continue to get help in their time of need, click here.
If you have questions about The Homer Fund, please call The Homer Fund at (800) 654-0688 x12611.
March 25, 2011 - Learn How to Manage Your Finances After the Loss of a Job
The Homer Fund has partnered with CredAbility (formerly Consumer Credit Counseling Services) to offer associates free financial education online. These quarterly webinar courses are designed to give associates the tools they need to reach their financial goals and get back on track after times of financial hardship.
Dealing with the financial impact of job loss is not an easy task. “Handling Change – A Guide to Managing Between Jobs,” the 2nd webinar in our 2011 quarterly series, will help associates navigate through this time of uncertainty. Associates who attend the webinar will have an opportunity to speak directly with a counselor to ask specific questions relevant to this topic.
Webinar topics range from saving your home to dealing with life’s emergencies, and will even help you plan out your holiday shopping and spending to survive the season without going broke.
- Mark your calendar for “Handling Change – A Guide to Managing Between Jobs” – Wednesday, April 20 at 6 p.m. EST
- This webinar will provide tips and guidelines to help you tackle numerous issues associated with job loss and develop strategies to survive a period of transition.
Click here to register for the webinar and to view topics of upcoming webinars.
February 28, 2011- Homer Fund Fundraising Campaign
On March 1, 2011, The Homer Fund will kick off its 8th annual fundraising campaign. The campaign has become an integral part of the Fund's continued ability to provide assistance to Home Depot associates in financial hardship. Since 1999, The Homer Fund has awarded more than $50 million to almost 45,000 associates and their families.
As the economy continues to suffer, the needs of our associates continue to grow. The Fund relies on donations from generous associates to continue the mission of "making tomorrow possible" for associates who are unable to pay their basic living expenses due to an unexpected illness, a recent death or a natural disaster.
While The Homer Fund accepts donations year-round, many associates chose to donate to the Fund during the fundraising campaign.The fundraising campaign begins on March 1, 2011 and will end on May 31, 2011. Donations may be made through recurring payroll deductions, check or credit card. If you have general questions about campaign, please call The Homer Fund at (800) 654-0688 x12611.
February 1, 2011- Orange Scholars Scholarship Program Application Period Now Open
Orange Scholars offers scholarships to associates' children based on financial need, academic performance, as well as community involvement and leadership. Financial need is given the highest consideration. Minimum qualifications for the Orange Scholars Scholarship Program are:
- Applicant must be a current high school senior, or a current college freshman, sophomore or junior planning to enroll as a full-time undergraduate student in the fall of 2011
- Applicant's parent/legal guardian must be a Home Depot associate for at least one year as of January 1, 2011 and must be a Home Depot associate at the time the scholarship is awarded
The application period is open from January 1, 2011 through March 1, 2011. The application will not be available after 11:59pm on March 1. Click here to apply. If you have general questions about this program, please call The Homer Fund at (800) 654-0688 x12611.
January 10, 2011- Quarterly Financial Education Online
The Homer Fund has expanded its partnership with CredAbility (formerly Consumer Credit Counseling Services) by providing quarterly financial education webinars specifically geared to The Home Depot associates. Financial topics, such as "How To Save My Home" and "Managing Between Jobs," were chosen based on the concerns associates have voiced to The Homer Fund.
Associates may register for the online seminars by visiting The Homer Fund's CredAbility page. This service is free to all Home Depot associates. If you have questions about this new program, please call The Homer Fund at (800) 654-0688 x12611.
January 10, 2011- New Homer Fund Web Site
The Homer Fund web site has a new look and new functionality. The new site allows visitors to find information easier through a basic search available on the Home Page. Also, the site includes an electronic Direct Grant application which allows sponsors to access saved and submitted applications at anytime. It also allows the Fund to easily contact sponsors and applicant for additional information and status updates.
Stay tuned for more exciting improvements in the upcoming weeks, including an improved process for payroll donations which will streamline the sign-up process and improve integrity of participation reporting.
January 1, 2011 - Homer Fund Year-End Activity
In 2010, The Homer Fund awarded grants to more than 8,500 associates in need and issuing $13.7 million! That's a 20% increase in amount awarded in 2009. The Fund anticipates the needs of our associates to continue to increase in 2011. As Home Depot associates, we are very fortunate to work with a company that recognizes the value in supporting its most valuable asset - its associates. Since 1999, The Homer Fund has helped 45,000 associates in financial hardship.
December 13, 2010 - Homer Fund Position Available
The Homer Fund staff is growing to accommodate the increased needs of our associates. In 2011, the Fund seeks to increase visibility by ensuring associates receive constant and effective communication from the department. To meet this goal, a Homer Fund Communications Specialist position has been posted and is currently open. For more information on this position or to apply, visit Home Depot's CareerDepot.
