Industry gives back to veterans

Companies in the industry show gratitude to the military and veterans through housing and workforce programs

Industry gives back to veterans
As Americans commemorated Memorial Day on Monday, companies in the mortgage industry gave back to the community and veterans.

Wells Fargo and Habitat for Humanity recently joined forces to improve 100 homes of veterans spanning 30 communities from Seattle to Florida, the bank said in a release.

Along with a $300,000 grant from the Wells Fargo Housing Foundation, bank volunteers and veterans worked hand in hand to work on improvements for sustainable housing such as painting and landscaping.

“Veterans have made extraordinary sacrifices for our country, and by teaming up with Habitat for Humanity we will work side-by-side with veterans to make important improvements to their homes that may otherwise be unattainable,” said Martin Sundquist, executive director of the Wells Fargo Housing Foundation. “Our team members are active and engaged volunteers and support their local communities by applying their time and talents where they live and work, and this effort is one of several ways we work with Habitat to create affordable and sustainable housing.”

“Access to safe and decent housing is a challenge for far too many households, including our country’s veterans,” said Colleen Finn Ridenhour, senior vice president of development at Habitat for Humanity International. “This most recent commitment by the Wells Fargo Housing Foundation will enable us to work with veterans to improve their homes and, we believe, make a positive impact to their lives and their neighborhoods.”

Investment firm Blackstone also held true to its word of supporting veterans, as the company announced last week the success of its 2013 commitment to hire 500,000 American veterans, caregivers and spouses across its companies.

The announcement came a year before the five-year target the company had set. Blackstone declared a “part two,” this time by pledging to hire 50,000 more veterans, caregivers and spouses within the next five years.

“America’s military veterans embody the traits that help our portfolio companies succeed and grow,” said Stephen A. Schwarzman, Blackstone chairman, CEO and co-founder. “These men and women are hardworking, adaptable, collaborative, reliable, and possess the highest integrity. We are excited about the success of this initiative and look forward to expanding its impact in the future to support our country’s veterans and their loved ones.”


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