Changing Lives Through First Story

Behind every name of the 101 First Story families is a real story, the tale of hardworking individuals ready for homeownership. A family ready to leave the government assistance programs behind, ready to end the years of renting and ready to embark on a life of dependency-free living. They are looking for more than a handout. They are ready to write their own story as the rulers of their own destiny through homeownership.

To make this happen, First Story, a non-profit founded by Hayden Homes in 1998, provides a 30 year, zero-interest loan that requires no down payment or credit score. First Story collaborates with Hayden Homes to build a new home integrated in a Hayden Homes community. Trade and supply partners contribute materials, labor and services to help build each First Story home. Qualifying families must successfully complete a financial management and homeownership course to help ensure their success once they’ve received the keys to their new home.

THE DETAILS:

First Story provides a zero-down, no interest, 30-year loan for a newly built Hayden Home to a deserving and capable family, integrated into a Hayden Home neighborhood.

When a family is ready to sell, First Story buys back the home at market value and splits the equity of the home, returning 100% of the principle payments to the owner. First Story then collaborates with Hayden Homes to refurbish the home and sell it to another deserving First Story family.

This work is done with zero subsidies from the government. First Story is funded 100 percent by private donations.

And the giving continues; First Story donates annually to community organizations and non-profits in each of the communities where Hayden Homes builds, reinvesting the charitable fees collected into the counties in which the home has sold. $1.86 million has been donated to date.