Who knew that a big box store has played a key role – for over 30 years – in helping communities rebuild after major natural disasters? 

The Home Depot’s documentary Hope Builds details the human spirit that compels people to help others. Focusing on three devastating events – Hurricane Andrew (1992), the Joplin, Missouri, tornado (2011), and the Paradise, California, wildfires (2018) – the film features firsthand accounts from The Home Depot Associates and survivors.

The film offers a unique view into how these disasters deeply influenced The Home Depot’s culture and shaped their expanding volunteering efforts. After initially conducting a staggering 122 pre-interviews via Zoom, 23 people were chosen to film during 10 shoot days across seven states – all during COVID. Visceral visuals of communities indiscriminately leveled by Mother Nature take viewers inside the shocking events described by interviewees, many of whom are decades-long veterans of The Home Depot. 

Associate Donna Carr describes her family fleeing the wildfires and returning home to witness her neighborhood in a state of “Armageddon.” 

During the Joplin tornado, Associate Jason Smith speaks of huddling with 40 people inside his store’s training room. “You felt the floor coming up and the wall coming down on top of ya. And then it stopped.” They walked out to discover the roof blown off and the store decimated. All told, 7,800 homes and businesses were gone in 10 minutes. 

Before wrapping each interview, we would ask, “Why do you feel this responsibility to help?” The reply most often heard, with a shrug: “It’s just what we do.” 

Hope Builds was released to the public on the brand’s social channels. We’re most proud that the film is truly resonating at the store level – and starting to be used as part of new employee training.