Focus on People

Every September, Workforce Development Month celebrates the contributions of workforce professionals and raises awareness around skilled trades. As national conversation spotlights the construction industry as a career path for high school graduates.

This year marks 25 years of Home Depot associates taking care of one another during tough times through The Homer Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides financial assistance to associates facing an unforeseen financial hardship.

Founded in 1999, The Homer Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides financial assistance to associates facing an unforeseen financial hardship. Every dollar an associate donates to The Homer Fund goes right back to an associate in need.

The corporate compliance department works to ensure everyone at The Home Depot is doing the right thing. As a manager in that space and an 18-year associate, Ashaki Whatley loves putting on her orange apron every day.

What started as a part-time job turned into a 34-year career for Regional Vice President Brock Darby. Over the years, he’s interacted with many associates at The Home Depot, and being fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) allows him to communicate with more than most.

Stephen was paralyzed after a tree fell on his neck in 2010, requiring him to use a wheelchair. He recently partnered with an organization that helped pay for a new power lift but still needed assistance for the remaining balance.

In early 2016, a couple of months into her deployment in Bagram, Afghanistan, U.S. Army Specialist (SPC) Maggie Bilyeu was critically injured. She sustained multiple shrapnel wounds to her chest and torso, a broken leg and numerous internal injuries as a result of a bombing.

Maureen Caine was looking for a fresh start after losing her husband. Now, more than 10 years later, she’s found a sense of belonging helping customers with her fellow associates at The Home Depot in Columbia, South Carolina.

From painting a local veteran’s house his favorite shade of purple, to supporting a foster care system, Dawayne Gates, store manager in Houma, Louisiana knows how to encourage fellow associates to get in the Team Depot spirit.