Homeownership

First Story is a nonprofit lender dedicated to creating affordable homeownership opportunities for under-resourced families across the Northwest, empowering them to build financial stability and break the cycle of generational poverty.

a group of people sitting next to each other

Take the next step

Own a home

a group of people standing next to each other wearing hard hats

Break the cycle

Donate

WHY WE DO IT

The lack of affordable housing is holding families back and causing deep problems.

Poverty. Homelessness. Educational disparities.

But through affordable homeownership the lives of families are changed forever.

By giving neighbors a hand-up to homeownership, First Story is helping write new chapters.

Financial stability. Asset-building. Achievement of dreams.

This is why we do it.

Who we serve

Being cost-burdened means more than a tight budget — it means sacrifice. Families skip medical care, delay education, or live far from work. These tradeoffs shape what experts call the social determinants of health — the conditions that define opportunity and well-being.

Percentage of families that are cost burdened by housing in the Northwest

78%

Oregon

77%

Washington

71%

Idaho

When housing becomes affordable, everything changes: families save, children succeed, and communities grow stronger.

‍Behind every statistic is a neighbor — a parent at your child’s soccer game, a family in your church pew, a nurse or teacher who keeps our towns running but can’t afford to live nearby.

We remove barriers and provide access to the life-changing value of homeownership for diverse members of our communities.

Our homeowners represent the heart of our communities with Careers in diverse sectors:

Agriculture
5%
Civic
6%
Education
6%
Medical
16%
Professional
39%
Retail
14%
Social Services
14%
—
Hover a segment
128

128 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

Smiling couple holding a toddler stand outside a new home with a 'Simplicity by Hayden Homes' flag, man showing house keys.
128

128 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

Smiling couple holding a toddler stand outside a new home with a 'Simplicity by Hayden Homes' flag, man showing house keys.
80%

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

a family poses for a picture in front of a house
29%

29% identify as a member of the Latino or Black community

22%

22% of families include a member with a disability

80%

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

a family poses for a picture in front of a house
29%

29% identify as a member of the Latino or Black community

22%

22% of families include a member with a disability