See our full list of 2022 grant recipients to date and “check” out some of our favorite moments from the year so far...

When people in Treasure Valley, Idaho, need a compass to navigate the often-complex homebuying process, they can turn to NeighborWorks Boise for guidance.

Getting her First Story house changed everything for Kari Ann Wolff and her children. After years of having her rent unexpectedly increase, or worse, the places she lived sold, homeownership meant stability for her family and a sense of community.

When we caught up with Wojciech “Koz” Kozlowski, who serves as construction manager for Hayden Homes’ eastern region, he had just finished helping fill gas tanks for employees in the Spokane area.

First Story's gift of homeownership sparked founding of Washington nonprofit assisting homeless people.

Alex Johnson II, who serves as mayor of Albany, Oregon, is an enthusiastic supporter of First Story. “Other mayors can call me—you can share my phone number and email address,” he told us.

We recently caught up with Marissa at her First Story home and got a tour.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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!