Home Depot's Commitment to Hurricane Melissa Recovery
In a significant response to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, The Home Depot and The Home Depot Foundation have declared a commitment of
$1 million aimed at supporting immediate relief and long-term recovery initiatives for affected communities, particularly in Jamaica and other Caribbean regions. This Category 5 hurricane, which made landfall on
October 28, 2025, has left a challenging aftermath including significant loss of life and widespread destruction.
The Devastation Left Behind
The hurricane's fury has placed over
25,000 residents in emergency shelters due to severe flooding, structural damage, and extensive power outages. The challenges posed by this disaster are immense, and full recovery may span several years. The Home Depot Foundation has stepped up to assist these communities by providing critical resources and grant support.
Collaboration with Nonprofits
To ensure effective aid is delivered, The Home Depot Foundation is partnering with established nonprofit organizations. Grants have been allocated to:
- - World Central Kitchen, which will work with local chefs to distribute emergency meals across Jamaica, Haiti, and the Bahamas.
- - Convoy of Hope and Operation Blessing, organizations tasked with purchasing essential supplies necessary for the recovery process.
These collaborations will not only provide immediate assistance but will lay the groundwork for a robust recovery strategy that addresses both urgent needs and longer-term rebuilding efforts.
A Focus on Immediate Relief
The aid from The Home Depot will include urgently needed disaster relief products such as
generators,
toolkits,
flashlights, and
solar lights. In response to requests from both employees and customers, The Home Depot has also transformed its
Miami stores and
30 New York Metro stores into distribution hubs to expedite the delivery of essential supplies to the hurricane-hit island.
Preparing for Future Disasters
Recognizing the cyclical nature of storm seasons, The Home Depot ensures that its warehouses are well-stocked with essential supplies ahead of time. This proactive approach enables the rapid dispatch of needed materials to disaster zones, showcasing the company’s commitment to community resilience.
Leadership Insights
Erin Izen, executive director of The Home Depot Foundation, expressed heartfelt sympathy for those impacted by Hurricane Melissa, stating, "Our hearts go out to the people of Jamaica and the broader Caribbean region as they recover from Hurricane Melissa. Our teams are working around the clock with nonprofit partners to deliver emergency aid and lay the groundwork for long-term recovery."
Jason Arigoni, the vice president of field merchandising, emphasized, "The Home Depot is uniquely positioned to provide disaster-impacted communities with the support they need today, as they look to recover and clean up, and in the future, as they turn to rebuilding. We’re here to help."
About The Home Depot and Its Foundation
The Home Depot is the world's largest home improvement specialty retailer, with operations that extend across
all 50 states, the
District of Columbia, and several territories. The company employs a dedicated workforce of over
470,000 associates and remains committed to community service and disaster relief initiatives.
Founded to support the communities it operates in, The Home Depot Foundation aims to improve the lives of U.S. veterans, assist communities affected by natural disasters, and train skilled tradespeople for the future workforce. Since its inception, the foundation has invested over
$600 million into veteran causes and strives to enhance the quality of life for those in need.
As The Home Depot continues its efforts in assisting those affected by Hurricane Melissa, it serves as a testament to corporate responsibility and community support, highlighting the power of collective action in times of crisis.