Our Founder

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.  

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 First Story Grants to 1,000 charities throughout the Northwest.

First Story changes lives without a single dollar of government funding. Through a Community Charitable Covenant, 1/8th of 1 percent of the resale of every Hayden Home is donated to First Story’s Grant program. Zero percent of community charitable fees collected are used on First Story overhead expenses. 100 percent is invested back into strengthening communities through our First Story Grants to local charitable causes. Hayden Homeowners are encouraged to nominate a nonprofit to receive a grant.

Hayden Homes and First Story work together to build strong communities and provide solutions to the affordable housing crisis throughout the Northwest. To date, we’ve provided more than 117 homeownership opportunities to under-resourced families and $2.4 million to local charities.

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