(SISTERS, Ore.)— In response to the growing need for affordable housing, the non-profit, First Story, Hayden Homes, NeighborImpact and other local partners are collaborating to help three families move into new homes in Sisters. A special, social distancing, wall raising event was attended by future homeowners and their family members, City of Sisters Mayor, Chuck Ryan and members of the Hayden Homes and First Story teams.
“As Mayor, I was very proud to participate along with Councilor Preedin in interviewing three separate families and being a part of their dream of homeownership,” said Chuck Ryan, City of Sisters Mayor. “It is a very rewarding experience and we look forward to continuing this valuable partnership with First Story as the McKenzie development progresses.”
The non-profit, First Story, is addressing the affordable housing crisis through an integrated approach that focuses on providing a hand-up to homeownership. First Story, Hayden Homes, Neighborlmpact and the City of Sisters have come together for this special project in order to provide affordable homeownership opportunities in Sisters. The homes will be constructed by Hayden Homes in their McKenzie Meadows Village community and sold through First Story’s 30-year non-interest loan program. The first three families are graduates of Neighborlmpact’s HomeSource Program.
Each family is grateful for the safety, health and happiness that owning a home brings. A special key ceremony and welcome home celebration will take place in August.
“We’ve been dreaming and working towards owning a home for almost 20 years,” says Debra Donati and Nathan Barbeau. “We saved every extra penny that came our way and we even postponed getting married. Unfortunately, as we inched closer, Nate was in a devastating hit and run and our dream slipped away. First Story gave us hope again.”
 “I’ve been doing everything I can – saving & working hard- to raise my family in my hometown of Sisters,” says Jacob Christensen. “But, it’s so expensive that it meant my family of 6 sharing one bedroom at my Mom’s house. So, we were forced to move, and our daughter now spends over an hour commuting to school each day. Next year, thanks to First Story, she will walk to school.”
 “As a single-dad, I work hard day in and day out to provide the best life for my son, Conner. Moving to Sisters means he will finally know something other than apartment living and what being a part of a community means,” says Nathaniel Grimes.
Watch the wall raising ceremony here.
If you would like more information or access to media assets including photos, video footage and interviews please contact Katy Wooderson at kwooderson@hayden-homes.com or 541-639-6848.
About First Story
First Story is a 501c3 non-profit organization dedicated to providing affordable home ownership opportunities to hardworking families throughout Oregon, Washington and Idaho. First Story’s integrated approach to affordable housing gives families a hand up to homeownership while preserving dignity, respect, and encouraging inclusivity. Founded in Redmond, Oregon in 1998, First Story has helped more than 10,000 families through new home construction and financial support. For more information visit: www.FirstStory.org.
 About Hayden Homes
Established in Redmond, Oregon in 1989, Hayden Homes has provided over 17,000 new homes to price conscious, value-driven homebuyers in underserved, secondary markets throughout Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Hayden Homes continues to be the largest privately-owned new home builder in the Pacific Northwest.
Hayden Homes exists to Give As You Go™, so together we build a strong community, and lead fulfilled lives. Hayden Homes has contributed 3.25 billion dollars to local economies and has created more than 69,000 jobs since the company’s inception. Hayden Homes supports philanthropic efforts in the communities in which they build and have contributed more than 24.2 million dollars in charitable donations with the flagship of their giving through the 501(c)(3) Non-Profit, First Story. To date, First Story has provided 84 deserving and capable families throughout the Pacific Northwest with a safe, healthy affordable home and a first step toward financial freedom. The Hayden Homes brand family of companies includes Simplicity by Hayden Homes, Wise Size Homes and Hayden Homes, all providing an unparalleled selection of opportunities for those looking to purchase a new home.
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