The H Group, Inc. Partners with Habitat for Humanity on Two-Story Build

PORTLAND, Ore., Oct. 1, 2013 /PRNewswire-iReach/ -- A team of twelve financial planning professionals and support staff from The H Group, Inc. spent a day working side-by-side with Habitat for Humanity Portland/ Metro East's volunteers and site staff. In addition to contributing the twelve-person team's manpower for the day, The H Group contributed $3,500 towards building costs. The "two story build" took place July 26 at the 117119 SE Division Street project.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20131001/MN89696)

The development at Southeast 171st and Division streets is the largest Habitat build in Oregon and part of Habitat's five-year bank of land purchased through A World of Hope: It Starts at Home fundraising efforts. This site includes 45 lots, adjacent to 20 homes built by a for-profit builder and sold at market rate. Because the first 20 homes were sold at market rate, this completed development will be a mixed-income community.

"The combination of volunteer hours and a financial donation doubles The H Group's impact toward our mission of providing affordable homeownership opportunities in the Portland Metro area," said Steve Messinetti, president and CEO, Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East. "We are always grateful when companies like The H Group donate time and money. It's especially helpful that they came out to build and help make homeownership a reality for families in need," Mr. Messinetti said.

"It was a great experience volunteering for Habitat," said Mary Way, CFP®, a financial advisor with The H Group's Salem office. "The crew leaders did a great job of keeping us busy, and gave us training to help with whatever we were doing. I would definitely do it again."

"I am excited about the mission of Habitat for Humanity because of the way it gives families an anchor in a neighborhood community," Ms. Way continued.  "I like the way the children of these families can grow up in one place, going to one school, with stable friends in their neighborhood. In the setting where we worked, there were 45 Habitat homes up and down one street. It was already a global community that included refugee immigrants from many other nations, putting down roots for a better life in America. The cul-de-sac at the end will include a community garden, another great way to bring neighbors together. In our own small way, I think we volunteers made a contribution toward world peace that day," concluded Ms. Way.

"The high point of the day for me was getting to work alongside Sandra, the future homeowner of the unit we were building," said Scott Maxwell, CFP®, a financial advisor with The H Group's Portland office. "It was a hot day, with the temperature pushing 90 degrees in the afternoon and Sandra just kept on moving along, slowing down a bit as the mercury rose but determined to keep on going. In our brief conversations she was excited at the thought of her own home and will be glad to have their family under one warm, dry roof for the winter ahead."

"Would I do it again? Sure thing. The exercise was great, the volunteers and supervisors cheerfully friendly and the effort absolutely worthwhile," Mr. Maxwell continued. "The work is so clearly meaningful and the completed and under-construction homes make it clear what the goal is. It was great to have the opportunity to help Habitat with the construction of one of their homes. This work is vital and the success of their programs stand as a testament to the good work they do. Selfishly, events like this are great for our company as well. Even though we worked in small teams the sense of accomplishment at the end of the day was apparent and everyone seemed to enjoy the idea of pitching in and helping out," Mr. Maxwell concluded.

The H Group, Inc. has set up a photo scrapbook, which documents in pictures their work at the Habitat site: 

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=497242610362560&set=a.497232127030275.1073741827.419089158177906&type=1&theater

Representing The H Group, Inc. at the Habitat Project were:

1.     Scott Maxwell, financial advisor

2.     Mary Way, financial advisor

3.     Eric Hanslits, financial advisor

4.     Jessica Gray, financial advisor

5.     Soyun Jeong, financial advisor

6.     Jen Plett, portfolio manager

7.     Sarah Fagan, receptionist

8.     Jennifer Tucker, advisors assistant

9.     Brenna Jensen-Baucum, staff associate

10.  Zady Gest, social media coordinator

11.  James Sager, implementation and development manager

12.  Chelsea Cassady, company friend

ABOUT THE H GROUP, INC.
With over thirteen advisors and seven locations, The H Group, Inc. is one of the largest independent fee-only wealth management firms in the Northwest. The firm's employees and credentialed advisors are among the most experienced in the industry. The H Group is a member of the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA), a professional organization exclusively for fee-only financial advisors.  Founded in 1990, the privately held firm with over 20 Individuals in Oregon, California and Idaho. To learn more about The H Group, Inc., visit www.thehgroup.com.

ABOUT HABITAT FOR HUMANITY PORTLAND/METRO EAST
Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East revitalizes neighborhoods, builds affordable and sustainable homes, and empowers families through successful homeownership. It is an independent affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a global home building movement. They welcome people from all walks of life to partner with them in serving families in need and creating a better community for everyone.  The organization works with qualified, low-income families to help them realize the dream of owning their own home. To learn more, visit www.habitatportlandmetro.org.

Media Contact:Scott Maxwell, The H Group, Inc., 503-292-5853, ScottMaxwell@TheHGroup.com

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SOURCE The H Group, Inc.