Natural Disaster Response

Natural disasters are always an unexpected event, and weathering the disaster can be traumatic and expensive. The Homer Fund's emergency natural disaster grant may offer emergency assistance to impacted associates who lack financial resources and cannot afford to address these unexpected expenses. Homer Fund grants may be awarded to help offset some of the costs related to the recovery from a natural disaster.

The Homer Fund offers two ways to assist with necessities.

1. Associates with an immediate short-term need for safe shelter, food and clothing may be eligible for an emergency natural disaster grant.
2. Associates with more substantial long-term needs, like home repairs or establishing a new residence, may qualify for the standard Direct Grant.

Please review the explanations below to determine how The Homer Fund might assist with needs related to a natural disaster.

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Pre-Strike and Immediate Aftermath Process

SHORT-TERM IMMEDIATE NEEDS
(Emergency Grant requests are available for a short period of time* post disaster event)
NOTE: Access to Homer Fund assistance does not end with the closure of the emergency response phase (reference availability of post-strike process below.

The emergency natural disaster grant is available for associates in IMMEDIATE need of food, clothing and safe shelter because their homes are currently uninhabitable (i.e., structural damage or evacuation), and lack the financial means to address these expenses. This grant will consider the following:

• Associates living in a mandatory or strongly recommended evacuation area
  
• Associates who cannot afford the costs related to evacuation or temporary displacement (i.e., paying for temporary housing & food while displaced)
  • Evacuating associates who will be staying with family/friends do not qualify for assistance with housing
• The loss of electricity alone does not qualify for a grant UNLESS electricity is a medical necessity
  • The Homer Fund may consider help with replacing lost food due to loss of power for more than 48 hours for associates who cannot afford this expenses
    
• Associates should apply through a member of management at their store unless The Homer Fund's Crisis Command Center has been activated
  • The Crisis Command Center activation will allow associates in need to call and submit an application via phone for consideration
• Grant amount will be based on individual impact and family size (associate and legal dependents only); therefore, amounts will vary based on severity of impact and number of regular household members
• Grant funds will be distributed via one of the following methods for quick disbursement:
  • Payroll transaction: associate will receive payment within 48 hours from receipt of request (excluding weekends and holidays). Payment will occur through same method as associate's normal payroll check.
  • Zelle: Associate will receive payment same-day in most cases, excluding weekends and holidays. Associate must have a valid bank account to which funds may be accepted.
  • PayPal: Associate will receive payment within 24 hours, excluding weekends and holidays. Associate must have a valid bank account or Visa card to which funds may be accepted. Normal transfer process is 1-2 business days and is free to the associate; however, additional fees will apply for instant transfer of funds from associate's PayPal account to their bank.
  • Western Union transaction: Associate will receive payment same-day in most cases, excluding weekends and holidays. Associate may retrieve funds from an operating Western Union location accepting QuickCash transactions immediately after notification of approval. Be aware that Western Union outlet access may be limited during and immediately after a natural disaster.
• Grant confirmation will be provided via email, so please provide accurate email address
  • Grant processing will be delayed for associates who do not provide an email address
• Associates must use emergency funds for housing, food and/or clothing

* Regulations allow for short window in which funds may be issued without documentation.

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Post-Strike Process

ASSESSMENT OF LONG-TERM NEEDS

 

Once the emergency window has closed, The Homer Fund returns to our normal granting process and criteria. Many associates may qualify for Homer Fund assistance in this stage; however, all needs must be documented and financial need proven.

The Direct Grant application is available for post-disaster long-term needs for associates who lack the financial means to:

• pay past due rent/mortgage
• pay past due basic utilities (electricity, gas and water only)
• pay past due car loan
• pay for extended timeframe in hotel after the home in which the associate was living is severely damaged or destroyed
• move into a new residence after the home in which the associate was living is severely damaged or destroyed
• repair current/primary residence due to being uninsured or underinsured
  • May address structural damage impacting safe habitation of the home
  • Associate (or legal spouse) must own the home and have partnered with their insurance company prior to applying for Homer Fund assistance
• pay insurance deductibles
  • Associate (or legal spouse) must own the home and have partnered with their insurance company prior to applying for Homer Fund assistance, and/or
• offset cost of replacing food or essential furniture and clothing destroyed during the natural disaster

Once need is determined and appropriate documentation (i.e., insurance claim letter, repair estimates, etc.) is collected, applications may be submitted by a salaried leader or HR representative only. During our natural disaster response, you may find it difficult to reach a Homer Fund staff member by phone. We suggest the submission of questions via email to Homer_Fund@homedepot.com.

Click the orange button below to take your first step towards applying for Homer Fund assistance.
 

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TIPS TO ENSURE QUICK RESPONSE TO REQUESTS

Reaching a decision on a Homer Fund request requires a partnership between the associate in need (applicant), their manager or HR partner (sponsors), and The Homer Fund. However, the applicant has primary control over the speed in which we can work through the review process. Below are some tips to help make this process smooth and fast.

• Provide accurate information
  • Inaccurate associate ID numbers (AID) will result in non-receipt of payroll transactions
  • Inaccurate email address and phone number will impede communication, and prevent receipt of updates and outcomes of active requests
  • Inaccurate phone number will cause delays in collecting important information to help finalize the request
• Provide all relevant information to provide clarity into the situation
  • Each situation is different and determination of assistance is based on the information provided
  • Submit all supporting documentation; for example,
    • Insurance determination letter and repair quote when requesting repairs
    • Statement from new landlord or apartment complex showing amount needed to move into new residence
    • Home repair quote from a licensed contractor
    • Copies of eligible past due bills (past due rent/mortgage statement, past due utility bills, etc)
• Monitor your email and voicemail closely
  • Primary communication is via email
  • Your swift response to questions or requests for additional information allows us to progress quickly through the review process