Erin Morgan - First Story

Albany, Ore., Jan. 21, 2025—As Oregon’s housing crisis continues to keep affordable homeownership out of reach for many community members, eligible Albany families are encouraged to apply to be the recipient of a brand new First Story home at the Hayden Homes Meadowlark community in Albany in 2025. The first eligible family to apply will be selected.

 

This exciting announcement was made today by Claire Duncan, executive director of First Story, an Oregon-based 501(c)3 that collaborates with its founding partner, Hayden Homes, to provide families in the Northwest with affordable homeownership—one of the most powerful pathways out of generational poverty for underresourced families. More than 80 percent of First Story homeowners are the first in their family to have ever owned a home.

"Affordable homeownership is life-changing," said Duncan. "First Story exists to support families as they begin a new chapter, altering the trajectory of lives, potentially for generations to come."

 

First Story is now seeking community members to apply for this affordable homeownership opportunity, which features a zero-down, zero percent, 30-year mortgage on a new home.

The home will be ready in fall 2025 and the selected family will be invited to participate in a special summertime wall-raising, as well as a dedication ceremony at the home in the fall with family and community members in celebration of this milestone on the homeownership journey.