The Home Depot Foundation is stepping up with a commitment of up to $300,000 to aid in both immediate disaster relief and long-term recovery efforts across several states ravaged by recent tornadoes and severe flooding. In recent weeks, these natural disasters have wreaked havoc on communities in Iowa, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Michigan, Texas, Tennessee, and others. According to preliminary reports from NOAA, the months of April and May alone have seen over 500 tornado reports across the United States.
Teaming up with organizations like Operation Blessing, Team Rubicon, Convoy of Hope, and the American Red Cross, The Home Depot Foundation is mobilizing to provide essential assistance directly to these affected communities. This includes offering shelter, distributing crucial relief supplies and meals, and aiding in cleanup and relief operations in the aftermath of the storms.
Drew Friedrich, Chief Operating Officer of Operation Blessing, emphasized the critical nature of swift disaster response, highlighting the indispensable support provided by The Home Depot Foundation throughout the year. Their collaboration has resulted in the distribution of over 100,000 meals and 1,400 disaster relief kits in recent weeks alone, offering vital aid to those in need.
Through its volunteer force, Team Depot, The Home Depot has been actively engaged in coordinating with local and national nonprofits to donate emergency supplies and assist with debris removal efforts. In addition, The Home Depot Foundation, via its local stores, has contributed more than $50,000 worth of emergency relief supplies to assist affected individuals and communities.
Erin Izen, executive director of The Home Depot Foundation, underscored the ongoing commitment to support communities grappling with the aftermath of disaster. From deploying associates to provide hands-on assistance to allocating additional funding for immediate and long-term recovery efforts, The Home Depot Foundation remains steadfast in its dedication to aiding communities during challenging times.
The Home Depot is working diligently to ensure that emergency response products reach stores in impacted areas swiftly. Urgent truckloads containing priority items such as water, chainsaws, generators, tarps, and dehumidifiers have been dispatched to stores across the Southwest, Midwest, and Mid-Atlantic regions. These products have been positioned prominently within stores for easy access by customers in need.
Moreover, The Homer Fund, Home Depot’s associate assistance program, has already extended immediate financial aid to associates affected by these severe weather events. Affected associates have received emergency funds to address temporary housing, food, and clothing expenses, with ongoing support planned for those impacted by these disasters.
