First Story

Thanks so much for your question! Our homeowners come from a variety of backgrounds, but there are some common requirements for everyone. First, all applicants must complete home buying and financial management classes prior to applying. Your local housing authority will usually be your best resource for these classes. Once homes become available, it can sometimes be tricky to complete this required education ahead of the application deadline. So get on it early with these classes! Second, there are financial qualifications, including earning 80 percent of area median income or below, earning a minimum income between $3,200-$4,600 per month, and have no negative credit accounts. Lastly, you must live or work in the county in which you apply and you must be a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident alien status. Be sure to visit our website to learn more about eligibility at www.firststory.org/own-a-home!

First Story exists through the generous donations of individuals and businesses across the Pacific Northwest and beyond. We would be so grateful for your gift of financial support! Please visit our website at www.firststory.org and click on the big green GIVE button. Thanks for asking! You’re the best!

First Story is changing lives across Oregon, Washington and Idaho. We work in communities where our partners and donors, including Hayden Homes and many others, already have a footprint. This means we’re able to make the greatest impact possible through in-kind gifts of construction, building materials, carpentry and even landscaping to build homes for hard-working families in the Pacific Northwest. Learn more about us on our website at www.firststory.org/who-we-are.

Thank you! Details of the Fresh Start Program- Sometimes our homeowners are ready to move on from their First Story home, and that means a new opportunity for another family to move in! When this happens, we work with our partners at Simplicity by Hayden Homes to update an entire home so it’s ready for a new family. We renew all the interior finishes, flooring, lighting, paint and even landscaping. We actually wrote a blog all about this incredible partnership on our blog not long ago. It’s called “100 Stories No. 19: Simplicity by Hayden Homes Helps Renew Homes for a Fresh Start.” Check it out!

This information changes fast! To keep everyone up to date, we frequently update our website under the “Own a Home” tab at www.firststory.org. Just scroll down and you’ll see if any homes are coming available in your town.