a group of men standing next to each other
Founder of First Story
Hayden Watson
“If you have a good idea and you’re surrounded by good people–people with great hearts and a can-do attitude–you can do anything. First Story is proof of that.

Give as you go™ is more than a motto for Hayden Homes

First Story began in 1998 as a grassroots way for team members at Hayden Homes to support community members in need. Back then, the giving was all about providing groceries to families, donating clothes and supplies to nonprofits, and organizing team members to volunteer whenever they could.

Now, 25 years later, First Story has grown into an impactful, mission-driven, independent nonprofit, and the giving spirit that began with First Story is now the heart and soul of the entire Hayden Homes brand family.  

a man making a heart shape with his hands
a group of women standing next to a giant check

Investing in our Communities

We know that need comes in many forms and the journey for each person and each family is different. This is why, together with Hayden Homes, we invest in nonprofits across the Northwest who are meeting people where they’re at. We are proud to support local food banks, domestic violence shelters, veterans groups, disability advocacy groups, transitional housing partners, law enforcement support groups, and so many more organizations.

Together, First Story and Hayden Homes have given more than $2.4 million in Community Giving Grants to 1,000 charities throughout the Northwest.

A Charitable Covenant that Changes Lives

First Story changes lives without a single dollar of government funding. Through a charitable covenant, 1/8th of 1 percent of the sale of every Hayden Home is donated to First Story. Zero percent of contributions are used on overhead expenses. 100 percent is invested back into the community through affordable homeownership opportunities and giving grants to local charitable causes.

Hayden Homes and First Story work together to provide solutions to the affordable housing crisis facing communities throughout the Northwest. More than 100 homeownership opportunities to under-resourced families have been provided and $2.4 million given to local charities to date.

By choosing Hayden Homes, you become a part of the next generation of givers, investing in your family and your community.

a little boy wearing a yellow hat standing in front of a group of people
117

116 families served

a group of women standing next to each other
100%

100% earn less than 80% of area median income

two little girls standing in a room with their arms in the air
100%

100% are first-time homebuyers

a man, woman and two children standing in a kitchen
116

116 families served

a group of women standing next to each other
100%

100% earn less than 80% of area median income

two little girls standing in a room with their arms in the air
100%

100% are first-time homebuyers

a man, woman and two children standing in a kitchen
80%

80% are the first in their families to ever own a home

a woman standing next to a young boy
30%

30% identify as minorities

a woman and a boy standing in front of a door
20%

20% are households with children who have disabilities

a family poses for a picture in front of a house
80%

80% are the first in their families to ever own a home

a woman standing next to a young boy
30%

30% identify as minorities

a woman and a boy standing in front of a door
20%

20% are households with children who have disabilities

a family poses for a picture in front of a house