First Story Celebrates 100th Homeowner

Non-profit First Story gives individuals across the Pacific Northwest a hand up to homeownership; this year they celebrate the 100th homeowner!

Our name-in-title sponsor, Hayden Homes, has collaborated with First Story for twenty years helping to address the affordable housing crisis in our region. First Story’s approach to housing affordability is a pathway to ending multi-generational poverty for families in Central Oregon and across the Northwest. A mission that is made possible because of the passion and commitment of their founder, Hayden Homes.

It began as a dream – could First Story put homeownership within reach for lower income families? The answer over the past 20 years has been a resounding yes. That foundation of giving, sparked by Hayden Homes, has expanded year over year, family over family and now First Story is celebrating its 100th homeowner and, on top of that, welcoming eight more families home this year.

To mark this major milestone, First Story has launched a year-long celebration of First Story families, as well as the dedicated partners and people working behind the scenes to bring families homes. By following First Story on social media or visiting www.firststory.org, you can join in the celebration as they share 100 Stories from across the Pacific Northwest, showing the impact First Story has on our community.

“I hope that sharing our stories of collaboration, hope, commitment and selflessness will show both an appreciation of First Story families, as well as the partners and people who continue to bring the First Story vision to fruition,” said First Story Executive Director Claire Duncan. “Most importantly, the celebration is a testament to the belief that great things can happen when we give more than we get.”

HOW IT WORKS

First Story’s unique approach to affordable homeownership removes the barriers that make homeownership inaccessible for the families and individuals who make up the fabric of our community. Without First Story, the dream of homeownership and all that it brings, is kept just out of reach.

With the generosity and dedication of our founder, Hayden Homes, and our loyal building partners, First Story homes are built by Hayden Homes in thriving neighborhoods and share the same aesthetics as every other home in the community. This inclusive approach to affordable housing strengthens communities and allows for the integration of diverse perspectives and backgrounds.

These homes are sold move-in ready, not just in Central Oregon, but across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. They are then financed through First Story’s zero-down, zero-interest loan program, allowing homeowners to build wealth, therefore changing their financial trajectory for generations to come.

This giving-based model, a hand up to homeownership, has set a new precedent for what can be achieved when inspired people from businesses, organizations and communities believe in possibilities and come together to find solutions to our region’s growing housing crisis.