Investing in Community Lodgings
It is nearly impossible to attend a nonprofit event in Alexandria that is not sponsored or supported by Caudron Megary Blackburn Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors (formerly known as Speck – Caudron). The investment firm believes in investing in people and Alexandria, as well as on behalf of their clients.
“We view giving back to the community as one of our principles that we live by,” said Tristan Caudron, senior partner of CMB Wealth. “We want to commit to the community where many of us live and all of us work. That is very important to us.”
The team supports local causes through their sponsorships, volunteer time and pro bono services. They meet monthly to discuss the many requests they receive and how to support organizations in the most impactful way. While organizations that support children’s issues, homelessness, education, and animals top their list, it really comes down to whether they have a personal connection to a particular nonprofit.
The connection with Community Lodgings started when a client told Tristan about them five years ago. Since then CMB Wealth has consistently sponsored the fall Open Doors to Independence breakfast and April Spring Forward fundraiser, and has chosen Community Lodgings as their site for community service days.
“What is interesting about Community Lodgings is that they help people who need a chance,” Tristan said. “By offering affordable apartments, they help their tenants gets themselves back on their feet without the added pressure of paying market rate rent, which often can be crushing.”
“I think homelessness is such an important topic,” he continued. “There is such a fine line between living somewhere affordable and working to build a financial future, and suddenly finding yourself homeless. It does not just happen to low-income people. And someone who is homeless or struggling with other bills may despair. It is hard to get out of that. As financial advisors, we certainly know the importance of having a financial safety net.”
“Community Lodgings’ diverse services are really impressive,” he continued. “You start with a home you can afford that creates stability to help to you live your life. Their other services, including the youth educational programs, are essential and extremely impressive, as well.”
“Charities that we like to support have been around a long time, like Community Lodgings,” Tristan said. “It is well run, financially sound, and they truly support sustainable needs. They are an organization the community can get behind.”
