First of 13 homes in collaborative affordable housing effort to be dedicated in December.
In response to Bend’s affordable housing shortage, numerous partners, including First Story, Hayden Homes, Building Partners for Affordable Housing (BPFAH) and the City of Bend, have partnered to create First Place in Southeast Bend, a community aimed at providing homeownership opportunities for local workforce families.
Since 1998, First Story, a public non-profit founded by Hayden Homes, has built 65 homes across the Northwest for deserving families. First Place is the nonprofit’s first community effort, which will include 13 homes constructed over the next five years. The homes, located on Geary Drive off Parrell Road, will be sold to qualified applicants through First Story’s Home Buyer Program, which issues no-interest 30-year loans that require no down payment.
The land development in First Place was made possible through a partnership with BPFAH and the City of Bend’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, which works to address the needs of low and moderate income earners in Bend.
“First Place is a step in the right direction to addressing Bend’s critical affordable housing challenges,” said Jim Long, the City of Bend’s affordable housing manager. “The effort is also a testament to the giving spirit of our community and the positive results that come when we work together on creative solutions.”
A dedication of the first home at First Place will be held on Thursday, December 1, and will be attended by new homeowners Kristine and Greg Andrews, and their two young sons — one of whom requires a wheelchair.
“Kristine and Greg have worked tirelessly to save enough money to own a home that can accommodate their son’s wheelchair and other equipment that helps him get around,” said Claire Duncan, executive director of First Story. “This home is being built to give their son a positive, safe and stable environment, and will serve as a springboard for the young family to thrive and grow.”
About First Story
First Story is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization founded by Hayden Homes. First Story has served over 10,000 families through new home construction, homeownership opportunities and community giving. Since its founding in 1998, First Story has built 65 homes and donated over $800,000 to other non-profits helping to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness. Its mission is to promote giving and inspire communities through the creation of home ownership opportunities and financial support. For more information visit: www.FirstStory.org
