Home Depot Foundation Boosts Commitment for Wildfire Relief in Southern California to $3 Million
In a significant move to assist communities affected by recent wildfires in Southern California, the Home Depot Foundation has announced an additional commitment of $2 million, pushing its total investment to $3 million. This recent increase aims to address both the immediate and long-term recovery needs in the region, following discussions with local nonprofit organizations that highlighted the extensive damage caused by these devastating fires.
The $3 million fund consists of two key allocations:
Erin Izen, executive director of the Home Depot Foundation, emphasized the necessity of skilled workers in the construction sector at this critical time. "Rebuilding will require skilled workers in construction, an industry that is already understaffed," she remarked. As many structures were damaged in the fires—affecting both associates of The Home Depot and local customers—the Foundation aims to cater to immediate needs while also ensuring communities can effectively rebuild.
Since the onset of the wildfires earlier this month, Home Depot stores have proactively contributed by donating essential supplies, such as water and masks, to local nonprofits and those in need. Team Rubicon, a veteran-led organization and a vital partner of the Foundation since 2012, has been particularly active in the relief efforts. The organization has established a base at a Home Depot store in Simi Valley to mobilize hundreds of volunteers and resources to aid the Oak Park community, which was part of the mandatory evacuation zone. Team Rubicon is also reaching out to survivors across Los Angeles, providing them with educational materials and necessary supplies.
"We have thousands of volunteers in the greater metro Los Angeles area, which is growing by the day," stated Art delaCruz, CEO of Team Rubicon. Thanks to the Home Depot Foundation's consistent support, Team Rubicon has been able to expand its volunteer force significantly, thus enhancing the range of relief and recovery services it can offer for natural disasters.
Furthermore, the Home Depot’s employee assistance fund—known as The Homer Fund—has activated its emergency grant program. This initiative ensures that associates who lost their homes or are under mandatory evacuation can access safe housing, food, clothing, and other essential resources.
Since its inception, the Home Depot Foundation has committed itself to enhancing the lives of U.S. veterans, supporting communities affected by natural disasters, and training skilled tradespeople to fill existing labor gaps. Over the past decade, the Foundation has invested upwards of $550 million in initiatives supporting veterans and has improved over 65,000 veteran homes and facilities. Looking ahead, the Foundation aims to invest a total of $750 million in veteran-related causes by 2030, complemented by an additional $50 million focused on training future skilled tradespeople through its Path to Pro program by 2028.
In conjunction with addressing immediate relief needs, the Home Depot Foundation recognizes the urgent requirement for training and opportunities in the construction industry, as current statistics reveal an unprecedented 400,000 open jobs across the U.S. The Path to Pro program offers free entry-level training and scholarships aimed at engaging youth, underserved communities, and transitioning military personnel in meaningful careers involving plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, and HVAC. To promote job opportunities in the trades, The Home Depot also connects skilled tradespeople with relevant construction job openings while providing free virtual classes on careers in this vital sector.
For those interested in learning more about the Home Depot Foundation and its initiatives, additional information can be found at HomeDepotFoundation.org and on various social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram under @HomeDepotFound and @HomeDepotFoundation respectively.
The $3 million fund consists of two key allocations:
- - $2 million directed towards disaster response efforts through partnerships with organizations like Team Rubicon, World Central Kitchen, and Convoy of Hope. These funds will facilitate immediate relief and long-term recovery initiatives.
- - $1 million allocated to the Path to Pro program, focusing on bridging the skills gap in the construction industry, which will be vital for rebuilding efforts in the communities impacted.
Erin Izen, executive director of the Home Depot Foundation, emphasized the necessity of skilled workers in the construction sector at this critical time. "Rebuilding will require skilled workers in construction, an industry that is already understaffed," she remarked. As many structures were damaged in the fires—affecting both associates of The Home Depot and local customers—the Foundation aims to cater to immediate needs while also ensuring communities can effectively rebuild.
Since the onset of the wildfires earlier this month, Home Depot stores have proactively contributed by donating essential supplies, such as water and masks, to local nonprofits and those in need. Team Rubicon, a veteran-led organization and a vital partner of the Foundation since 2012, has been particularly active in the relief efforts. The organization has established a base at a Home Depot store in Simi Valley to mobilize hundreds of volunteers and resources to aid the Oak Park community, which was part of the mandatory evacuation zone. Team Rubicon is also reaching out to survivors across Los Angeles, providing them with educational materials and necessary supplies.
"We have thousands of volunteers in the greater metro Los Angeles area, which is growing by the day," stated Art delaCruz, CEO of Team Rubicon. Thanks to the Home Depot Foundation's consistent support, Team Rubicon has been able to expand its volunteer force significantly, thus enhancing the range of relief and recovery services it can offer for natural disasters.
Furthermore, the Home Depot’s employee assistance fund—known as The Homer Fund—has activated its emergency grant program. This initiative ensures that associates who lost their homes or are under mandatory evacuation can access safe housing, food, clothing, and other essential resources.
Since its inception, the Home Depot Foundation has committed itself to enhancing the lives of U.S. veterans, supporting communities affected by natural disasters, and training skilled tradespeople to fill existing labor gaps. Over the past decade, the Foundation has invested upwards of $550 million in initiatives supporting veterans and has improved over 65,000 veteran homes and facilities. Looking ahead, the Foundation aims to invest a total of $750 million in veteran-related causes by 2030, complemented by an additional $50 million focused on training future skilled tradespeople through its Path to Pro program by 2028.
In conjunction with addressing immediate relief needs, the Home Depot Foundation recognizes the urgent requirement for training and opportunities in the construction industry, as current statistics reveal an unprecedented 400,000 open jobs across the U.S. The Path to Pro program offers free entry-level training and scholarships aimed at engaging youth, underserved communities, and transitioning military personnel in meaningful careers involving plumbing, carpentry, electrical work, and HVAC. To promote job opportunities in the trades, The Home Depot also connects skilled tradespeople with relevant construction job openings while providing free virtual classes on careers in this vital sector.
For those interested in learning more about the Home Depot Foundation and its initiatives, additional information can be found at HomeDepotFoundation.org and on various social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram under @HomeDepotFound and @HomeDepotFoundation respectively.
Topics General Business）
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