Articles

100 Stories No. 21: A Picture of Homeownership Came Into Focus

Before having her kids, Jillian Hanes moved around a lot. So often, in fact, she remembers never feeling comfortable hanging photographs and art on the wall. “No place ever felt like home,” she explained. That all changed when she became a homeowner through First Story.

100 Stories No. 19: Simplicity by Hayden Homes Helps Renew Homes for a Fresh Start

After a time, it’s only natural that some of our homebuyers will spread their wings as their broods grow, their nests empty, or new opportunities require migration.

100 Stories No. 12: From First Story to Next Chapter for the Hawkins Family

Finding a rental house is challenging enough. Add kids and pets to the equation and securing a home becomes even more daunting. That’s one of the reasons Justin Hawkins is so thankful for First Story.

100 Stories No.11: New Home Star Partner Highlight

Behind every First Story home is a team of people who make it happen.

100 Stories No. 8: Meet the Linn-Benton Housing Authority

The Linn-Benton Housing Authority (LBHA) is a long-standing First Story community partner and works hand-in-hand with the families who inspire our mission.

100 Stories No. 7: Meet the Hagood Family!

Shelly and her two teenagers moved into their First Story home in 2018 and since then have made the house a haven for their family.

100 Stories No. 5: A message from our board chair

As soon as Board President Caleb Anderson crossed paths with First Story and Hayden Watson, he was inspired and compelled by the mission.

100 Stories No. 4: Saldana Family Profile

For First Story’s very first homeowner, Robert Saldana, it’s not surprising at all that First Story is celebrating its 100th homeowner.

100 Stories No. 3: Our first homeowner!

"Because of First Story, our payment has been so reasonable for nearly 20 years, making it possible to afford, even in the midst of many years of financial hardship.”~Robert Saldana, the very first First Story homeowner whose home was dedicated on March 7, 2002--exactly 20 years ago today. Stay tuned and hear how our program is designed for the long haul to support hard-working families!

100 Stories No. 2: The First Story 'story'

Our own story began in 1998, when staff from a small, family-owned home building company, Hayden Homes, decided to load some truck beds up to the brim with groceries, and then donate it to local food banks.

A Year-long Celebration Marking Our 100th Homeowner!

This year, we're celebrating our 100th homeowner! To mark this major milestone, we're launching a year-long celebration of the dedicated partners, hard-working families and people that got us here. And you're invited to the party!

Hi-Five to NeighborImpact!

This month we're giving a giant hi-five to a rock star partner of ours, NeighborImpact!

Deck the Halls! Bringing Holiday Cheer to the Office

The First Story team decked the halls at our office. Read on for our festive tips and tricks!

'Tis the Season to Give Back

To celebrate Hayden Homes reaching 20,000 homeowners, we teamed up to give back to the communities that support us!

A Place to Call Their Own: Three Families Find Home

This month we welcomed three wonderful families to their brand new homes!

Hi-Five to Eric at Hardenbrook Hardwoods!

Today's Hi-Five goes out to Eric Hardenbrook at Hardenbrook Hardwoods, who has been donating beautiful cutting boards for our families for five years!