A Boost for Community Chest

For some households in our community, a broken stove, an overdue utility bill, or an expired license can quickly spiral into a major problem. 100 Women Who Care is helping replenish this important community resource and provide timely assistance to local families facing unexpected expenses.

Homer Foundation
September 15, 2026

Earlier this month 100 Women who Care gathered together to hear quarterly presentations from local community nonprofits. Terri Spigelmyer presented on behalf of the Homer Foundation and the Community Chest Fund.

Terri shared the main points about the fund:

  • The Community Chest Fund was established in 2011 to provide emergency and bridge funding to local neighbors facing hardship.
  • 336 households have been served since April 2025, providing help with urgent non-food needs. A great pairing with the Food Pantry’s regular provision of food.
  • Assistance can cover emergency housing, utilities, transportation, fuel, car or stove repairs, prescriptions, and laundry/shower vouchers, small expenses that can become major crises when someone doesn't have the money to cover them. Households can currently request up to $200 a year.
  • The Homer Community Food Pantry administers the fund, identifying needs through client interviews and pays vendors directly. 100% of contributions go toward addressing clients' needs, with the Homer Foundation charging no administrative fee.

The generous $10,000 award from 100 Women Who Care will help replenish the fund and ensure local families can access timely assistance when a relatively small expense threatens their housing, transportation, utilities, or basic stability.

Our upmost appreciation goes out to the members  individually and the organization as a whole. You are making a real difference in the lives of our community members who need it most.

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