Inspired by our belief in building a strong community we founded First Story to help deserving individuals and families in need achieve the dream of home ownership.
Since it began in 1998, First Story has served over 90 families through new home ownership opportunities in Oregon, Washington and Idaho. When you choose to purchase a Hayden Home, you are helping to provide a family the opportunity for homeownership.
First Story was thoughtfully planned with a sustainable funding source, to ensure that the good work of the non-profit would continue in perpetuity. A donation of 1/8th of 1% of the sales price of every Hayden Home is generously given to First Story each time the home is sold. Hayden Homes contributes the charitable donation on the initial sale of every Hayden Home in the homeowner’s name. 100% of the contributions donated from the charitable covenant, by our homeowners, are contributed back to the county in which they were raised.
In addition to its affordable housing efforts, First Story has donated over $1.3 million to support other nonprofits doing the essential work of building a strong community.
Our team members are passionate about First Story’s mission. Over 80% of our team members generously contribute to this worthwhile non-profit through a regular payroll deduction. Hayden Homes is proud to provide a 100% company match for every donated dollar.
Through First Story, Hayden Homes partners with local government agencies, local housing authorities, nonprofits and helps deserving families realize their dreams of home ownership.
Jacob and Jenny – Sisters, OR
Jacob and Jenny have been doing everything they can to raise their family in Jacob’s hometown of Sisters. Jacob has a good job, almost no debt and they operate on a very strict budget. Even so, living in Sisters meant the family of five sharing one room in Grandma’s house. So, they made the tough decision to move, but are now thrilled to call Sisters home.
Debbie and Nate – Sisters, OR
Debbie and her partner Nate have been dreaming and working towards owning a home for almost 20 years. They postponed getting married, they switched jobs and they saved every extra penny that came their way. As they inched closer, Nate was struck in a devastating hit and run which left him with brain trauma and physical injuries that now restrict his ability to work. He embraces the time as a stay at home dad for their daughter, but the lack of income made owning a home seem impossible. Nate is now so excited to raise his daughter where he was raised – Sisters, Oregon.
Nathaniel – Sisters, OR
Single-dad, Nathaniel, works hard day in and day out to provide the best life for his son, Conner. Connor only knows apartment living and Nathaniel was ready to change that. They are avid Frisbee golf players and are so excited to live in walking distance to their favorite course – Sisters!
David and Rhandi – Liberty Park, OR
David served two tours in the U.S. Army (one in Iraq and one in Afghanistan). He was forced to medically retire from the military due to physical and mental injuries he sustained during his final tour. Unfortunately, his medical condition now requires full-time care from his wife, Rhandi, who also home schools two of their three children. David participates in extensive treatment in hopes of one day getting back to a ‘normal” life. In the meantime, his parents are there to help support his family every step of the way and the forever home that they now live in, through First Story, is a game changer for this deserving family! Welcome home!
Kimmie – Bend, OR
We are excited to introduce you to Kimmie and her son. This hard-working mom manages two jobs while raising her 5-year-old son, Liam. They were first referred to First Story in 2017. At that time, Kimmie had just finished cancer treatment and was so thankful to be cancer-free, but also scared for the future. She had depleted her savings to pay her medical bills and homeownership seemed impossible. However, she heard about First Story’s Grant House program and decided to enroll in Neighbor Impact’s Home Source Program to learn about better budgeting, how to reduce her debt, and one-day she dreamt of being a homeowner. We are thrilled that, that special day arrived for her and Liam in 2019!
Nathan – Kennewick, WA
After six years of service in the U.S. Air Force, Nathan decided to return to his home town to lay down permanent roots. Nathan is participating in a pilot program from the armed services to help place veterans in permanent jobs after their service. He is excited to learn a new trade at Columbia Marble and Glass and integrate back into “normal” society. First Story is proud to have been able to help this veteran and his girlfriend start a new beginning together in their new First Story home.
Amye – Cheney, WA
Meet Amye, a first grade teacher in Cheney school district, who’s been living studying and loving the Cheney community for a decade. Until now, her meager teacher salary would not afford her to buy a home of her own until now through First Story!
Marissa – Caldwell, ID
Marissa has two daughters, a job, and a community she loves. But, after the death of her mom, she realized her family needed a home to love. So she started to make some changes that lead her to NeighborWorks’ Home Buyer program. She completed all of the classes, reduced her debt, started paying off her student loan, and began saving. Now, Marissa and her daughters are ready to start making memories in their new home!
Karisa – Medford, OR
Karisa grew up in Southern Oregon and is a single-mom of a spunky daughter. Karisa works very hard as a medical assistant to provide financially for her family, but due to rising rent costs she was forced to move a dozen times. Her First Story home is finally a chance to secure stability for her daughter. We are thrilled for Karisa and her daughter to begin this new journey in their lives.
Shelly – Post Falls, ID
Shelly is a busy single-mom of two teenagers and a postal worker in the Inland NW. In 2012, she removed her kids from an abusive household with an alcoholic husband and started over. Her First Story home is a testament to her hard work and confirmation that her family is on solid ground. We are excited to welcome Shelly and her family to their new home!
Nalani – College Place, WA
Nalani was born with a spinal condition which makes it difficult for her to walk and to stand on her own, but you wouldn’t know it by talking with her. This incredibly positive single-mom of two boys never stops smiling. She works tirelessly to give her boys the opportunities she never had. Her youngest son has functioning autism, so Nalani’s new First Story home means he can finally have a therapy dog!
Lisa – Springfield, OR
Lisa spent most of her childhood homeless traveling around with her Mom splitting time between couches and shelters. A single-mom of a teenage girl she was determined to provide a different life for her daughter. Lisa’s hard work paid off and in 2018 she moved into her First Story home. We want to welcome Lisa to her new home!
Gilberto – Caldwell, ID
Gilberto is an impressive young man. His parents moved him and his three siblings from Mexico to Idaho to give them a chance at an education and a better life. Gilberto learned English, an engineering degree and became a U.S. Citizen. He moved out of his parent’s home where he shared a bedroom with his brothers and into his First Story home in 2018.
Rachel & Colten – Richland, WA
Meet Rachel and Colten, newly enganged. Rachel was born and raised in Richland, WA. She is a 3rd grade teacher at a Title 1 school in Kennewick. She always wanted to be an elementary school teacher and is passionate about being in a classroom with a high percentage of low-income students. Colton is just finishing 5 years in the Canadian army and is moving to Richland to marry Rachel and start their family.
Chari & Bryan – Albany, OR
Chari and her 15-year old son Legend have been through a lot. Legend’s father was physically and mentally abusive and left both emotionally scarred and scared. Out of concern for her autistic son, Chari reached out to the Linn-Benton Housing Authority to get the help she needed to provide a better life for Legend. Eight years later she is debt-free, has earned a degree, has a good job and is in a healthy long-term relationship with Bryan who she shares a daughter with.
Jillian – Boise, ID
Jillian is a Freelance Writer, proud mother of 2 high energy toddlers and a graduate of NeighborWorks Homeowner-ship Program for Financial Fitness and Coaching. She faced enormous tragedy at a young age and dealt with emotional abuse most of her adult life. After being abandoned with a son to raise, Jillian made the decision to go back to school, earn a degree and provide for her young family. She landed a great job at NeighborWorks and quickly realized that with some hard-work and discipline she too could be a home owner one day.
Yancy – Redmond, OR
Yancy’s co-workers describe her as hard working, independent and frugal. Two years ago she decided to make homeownership a goal so she enrolled in NeighborImpact’s Financial Fitness/Homeownership Readines Program. Later this year she will graduate and celebrate the completion of their Dreamsaver Match Program which helps individuals save for homeownership. As a single-woman Yancy has had difficulty finding outside support, so she knew it was up to her to build a stable financial foundation to grow from. Yancy manages Heart of Oregon’s Summer Program which engages 75 at-risk youth in educational and life skills courses. She loves to garden and spend time with her nieces and nephews who live in Redmond.
Lindsey – Spokane, WA
Lindsey is a kindergarten teacher in the Cheney School District at Windsor Elementary. She just got engaged to long-time boyfriend, Jeff Galpin. They had postponed getting married in order to save enough money to buy a home. “I’m just so unbelievably grateful for this opportunity First Story and Hayden Homes are providing,” Lindsay said when she got her keys. “Without them, I know I wouldn’t be in a position to purchase a home for a long time. Now, Jeff and I can get married, start a family, and make many happy memories here.”
Casey & Thunder – Springfield, OR
Meet Casey and her son, Thunder, who have been selected for the First Story home in Springfield, Oregon. This 2016 home recipient was referred to First Story’s Home Buyer Program by the Housing & Community Services Agency (HACSA) of Lane County. First Story & HACSA have worked together to help lower-income families in need find affordable housing. In her past, this young, single-mom was making decisions she now regrets. Once she realized the destructive path she was on was hurting her son, she focused all of her efforts on building a future for him. She successfully completed HACSA’s Family Self- Sufficiency Program and has been working hard for the past 5 years to build a better life for her son. She can’t wait to actually have a home to call their own. A home to plant roots…literally!
Ashuly & Oliver – Redmond, OR
This inaugural First Story ONEbuild recipient is a single mom to a two-year old boy, a massage therapist & licensed midwife. She and her son currently live in Redmond with Ashuly’s parents, sharing a single bedroom- and bed! She chose this living situation so she could save enough money to eventually put a down payment on a home of her own. She enrolled in Neighborhood Impact’s Housing Program and started an IDA matching savings account and completed a series of classes designed to prepare her for home ownership. She is so excited about, not just the home, but being a part of the entire ONEbuild experience!
David, Melissa, Caleb & Josiah – Rathdrum, ID
Melissa was diagnosed with Paranoid Schizophrenia shortly after graduating high school. She delayed going to college for treatment and in that time met Dave who would support & inspire her and later ask her to marry him. After 13 years of drug laded treatments she became pregnant with their first child and decided to take her health in to her own hands. Instead of drugs, she turned nutrition and a healthy life style void of things poisoning her body. She is now healed of a disorder that she was told she would never escape. She also finished her college degree, went on to complete a Master’s of Philosophy, had her second child and celebrated her 10th wedding anniversary in 2015.
Cathi, Kaleb, and Ashley – Springfield, OR
Cathi’s contagious energy and captivating smile is evident the minute you meet her. This single-working mother of two and recent college graduate has worked very hard and overcome a lot of adversity in her life to provide a safe and loving environment for her family.
We proudly welcomed Cathi, her 13-year old son Kaleb and 8-year-old daughter Ashley into our First Story family in September, 2015. “It was really exciting and overwhelming and amazing all together,” said Cathi. Her 3 Bed, 2 Bath home marked the 28th home built in partnership with Hayden Homes. “When Hayden gave me the house key, I held it for three hours. I had watched it being built all the way. I had been packing like crazy. But none of it seemed to be real until Hayden gave me the key. I realized, ‘Now I can move in.’ My son was pretty emotional at the dedication. We’re all very grateful. We’ve been through a lot.” I look forward to watching our community grow and seeing my kids playing next door with my neighbor’s kids. I used to think I would wake up and it would all be a dream. But, now I know it is actually a dream come true!”
Matthew, Evelyn, Owen, Aaron & Megan – Kennewick, WA
The McGetricks were like any young growing family spending their nights and weekends building blanket forts in the living room of the home they rented in the Tri-Cities. They dreamed of one day owning their own home, but on one income and with student loans to pay off they thought that dream may never come true. Matthew has a stable job at the Department of Corrections and Michelle, while raising their four kids and attending nursing school, has had an even greater impact on their family. Matthew wrote in their application, “Michelle is the glue that holds our family together, the grease in our wheels that keeps us moving forward and the one who sets the example for the softness and love we strive to surround our children with every day.”
Sherry, Elijah, Asher & Mayah – Bend, OR
Sherry and her three children are survivors. Sherry spent years struggling to find a safe and loving community for her son’s Elijah & Asher and her daughter Mayah. “Owning our own home has been a mere fantasy,” Sherry wrote in her home ownership application. “Bend has been a blessing to my kids and me and First Story will allow us to live here forever.” They moved in to their home in Shady Pines in 2012. Sherry is a small business owner of Mindful Healing. In addition to being skilled in holistic soft tissue techniques and treatments, she is a Positive Life Coach with a passion to provide self-empowerment to help young women balance home, school and private life.
Ignacia, Maria, Guadalupe, Julio, Eric & Alyah – Pasco, WA
Maria and Ignacio emigrated to the United States in 1989 in search of the American Dream. They made the Tri-Cities their home, started a family and began working at Broetje Orchards. They have worked as packers at the Orchards for over 20 years putting their two eldest sons through college. Their daughter Alyah plans to follow in her older brothers’ footsteps and eventually work for the U.S. Forest Service.
Erin, Benjamin & Jacob – Bend, OR
Erin was born and raised in Bend. After leaving an abusive marriage, she decided to move back and raise her kids in Central Oregon. First Story met the single-mom through the Sparrow Club. Sparrow Club was assisting the family with medical costs associated with the treatment of Ben’s Neurofibromatosis. Neurofibromatosis is a genetically-inherited disease in which nerve tissue grows tumors; in Ben’s case he has tumors encompassing his abdominal area and spinal cord causing extensive pain and damage. Both sons have graduated from Mt. View High School and are pursuing careers locally. Erin’s parents and brother also live in Central Oregon.
Kenneth, Jolene, Jeremiah & Kaylene – Kennewick, WA
In 2010, Kenny and Jolene made the tough financial decision when they had their first child Jeremiah; that she would do the important job of stay at home Mom. Kenny had just earned his Master’s Degree in Teaching, but had not secured a full-time teaching position. It was a very difficult couple of years struggling to make ends meet, but they felt it was important to sacrifice material things in order for Jolene to raise their son. In 2012, Kenny secured a teaching position in the Columbia School District and they began to dream of one day owning a home. But, with school loans and one income, it was a dream that seemed would never come true.
Annett & Dylan – Walla Walla, WA
Annett has an inspiring story of hope and healing. Eight years ago she went from homelessness and hopelessness to becoming a homeowner and starting her own organization, Hope Heals, with a mission of spreading hope, love, and kindness to those in need. Annett moved into her First Story home in Prospect Terrace in Walla Walla in 2009. She and her son Dylan drove to the dedication ceremony in the RV and literally traded the keys to the RV for her new Hayden Home. Click here for a story written about Annett, and click here for more about Hope Heals.
Desiree, Cody & Brendan, Veneta, OR
Desiree is proud of her tight-knit and affectionate family. As a single-mom working full-time and raising two boys, her family worked together to help each other and share responsibilities. Family was at the heart of every decision Desiree made. She dreamed of owning a home for the stability and safety it would provide, but she was afraid she would never afford one on her single income. So, when she learned about First Story she jumped on the opportunity and applied for a home in Veneta, where the boys’ grandparents also live.
It is Hayden Homes goal to build a First Story home annually in each of the regions we build. If you know of an individual or family that is currently below 80% of the median household income and is in need of a hand-up due to the increase in rental rates, they are likely to be eligible to apply for an upcoming First Story home.
First Story Homes and Eligibility Requirements:
First Story Homes:
- 1,000-1,400 sq. ft.
- 2-3 bedroom
- 2 bathroom
- 2 car garage
- Front & back yards fully fenced and landscaped
- Loan Terms: 30 year no-interest, no-down payment First Story home loan
Applicant Requirements:
- Your total gross Median Family Income (before taxes and deductions) is at or below 80% of the area median income.
- Your monthly gross income meets the minimum amount required to pay a monthly principal, insurance & tax payment (estimated to be between $3,200-$4,600 per month, or $39,000-$60,000 annually depending on household size).
- You currently have no negative credit accounts or items in collections.
- You currently live or work in the county where the home is being built.
- You are a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident alien status (required for applicant only).
To Apply: Download the application. For more information about upcoming First Story homes and locations contact First Story at 541-728-0830 ext. 5 or email info@firststory.org.
By focusing on the people first mentality, we work diligently to forge relationships that foster growth within our communities. Each city we build in throughout the Northwest has a unique personality and the individuals that have chosen to raise their kids and make that community their home have specific ideals about how to make their individual community thrive. Hayden Homes embraces this unique approach, that’s why we work with local suppliers and trade partners whenever possible. By keeping our money local to each city, those businesses will then be able to hire, spend and reinvest in the community themselves, creating a cycle of virtuous investment.
In return, our partners and suppliers work with us to contribute their time, materials and expertise to First Story, helping us build homes for deserving families in your community. Since First Story’s inception our partners have donated nearly $1 million in time and materials to help build First Story homes.
In addition, as a homebuilder we pay hundreds of thousands of dollars each year for permits and city fees, totaling $2 million to date. These fees are then reinvested by local governments to build new parks, make crucial infrastructure improvements and help pay for critical services like police, fire stations and first respondent needs.
Beulah’s Place
The Central Oregon First Story committee had the pleasure of delivering a check to Beulah’s Place and it was an eye opening visit that left an impact. We stayed for over an hour at Andi Buerger’s home where she shared her powerful story of being abused and trafficked herself from infancy through the age of 17, and how that lead her to a life in Redmond where she created Beulah’s Place, which helps homeless teens find shelter, hope, and life skills to get off the street and avoid the dangers of being homeless. We thank Andi for the powerful work she is doing in our community.
CASA of Linn County
We are were honored to give a First Story Giving Grant check to CASA of Linn County. They are an incredible nonprofit organization that recruits, trains, and supports community volunteers to serve as advocates for children who have experienced abuse or neglect throughout the region.
SARC
The South Washington team had the opportunity this month to surprise the Support, Advocacy Resource Center (SARC) with a First Story support check for $2,000. This incredible Center serves not only victim of sexual violence but also identity theft, homicide, child physical abuse, elder abuse, assault, gang violence, fraud and human trafficking.
Sisters Oregon Arts Scholarship
We are excited to sponsor an arts scholarship contest for Sisters High School juniors and seniors. The winner earned a $2,500 scholarship from Hayden Homes which will be awarded upon graduation. To participate, students designed a 2D sketch of an all-original artwork. The Sisters Arts Association judged the designs and selected a winning concept. The winning art will be displayed in our Village at Cold Springs model home beginning in summer 2019.
“It is Hayden Homes’ honor to partner with Sisters High School and the Sisters Arts Association to showcase the incredible talent of Sisters Country youth,” said Geoff Harris, Central Oregon Regional Director. “We are excited to showcase such a unique piece of local artwork in our model home.”
New Home for Nuns at St. Francis Church
Hayden Homes, the Parish community and numerous partners have come together to build this new convent, the first in Central Oregon in 58 years. The new convent will be the residence of the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco who will be arriving from Texas to teach at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School beginning in the fall of 2018. “St. Francis Church had an immediate housing need for the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco; as a local home builder that believes in building a strong community, we were proud to be a part of the solution,” said Dennis Murphy, CEO of Hayden Homes. “Generosity has been rooted at Hayden Homes since our inception and the spirit of giving is at the core of who we are as a company. We are grateful St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School provides students in our community academic excellence while instilling the virtues that will guide them to be service minded leaders.”
Building a Home for a Veteran in Need
Hayden Homes, First Story, the City of Medford, OR., and numerous other partners recently came together to rebuild the 42-year-old home of William Verschoor, a veteran who fought in the Vietnam War. Verschoor voluntarily enlisted in the Army and was stationed at Dong Ha from 1968 to 1970 as a field soldier and tank mechanic. It was a true honor to be able to help Mr. Verschoor in such an impactful way. Read the full story here.
Veterans Association of Central Oregon
Thanks to the generosity of our employees, our Summit Crest new home community homeowners, our Redmond, Oregon Real Estate Partners, and the Lending Community we were able to donate over 100 gifts to homeless Veterans Central Oregon. Thank you to the Veterans Association for allowing us to partner with them to bring cheer to Veterans this holiday season!
Toys for Tots
This year, we were blown away by the generosity of our Team Members and neighbors. As an official drop location for new-unwrapped toys, we had box after box overflowing with toys that we were able to give to local Toys for Tots organizations. The toys are given to local children in need to allow them to enjoy a little Christmas! Thank You to EVERYONE who made it possible to give in such a wonderful way. Learn more about Toys for Tots by visiting their website here.
Boys and Girls Club of BFC and More!
Our South Washington Team had a blast on their recent giving spree, where they got to give to 7 organizations within the Tri-Cities! The organizations that received donations included: Boys and Girls Club BFC, Safe Harbor Crisis Nursery, Domestic Violence Shelter, YMCA – Richland, Goodwill – Employment Services, and Knights of Columbus – KC Help! The donations ranged from $1,500 – $2,000 and were gifted through the First Story Giving Fund.
Northwest Harvest
This year, we were a sponsor of the KNDU’s Hometown Harvest Food Drive. Four of our model homes (Westwood Estates, Clearwater Creek, Sandifur Place, and Homestead) were all drop off locations for Northwest Harvest. From the food donations alone, we gathered 2,400 lbs. of canned goods. In addition to the donations, a $5,000 check was donated to Northwest Harvest! Between the check presentation and donation of food, Hayden Homes supplied 30,000 meals to those in need within our Yakima and Tri-Cities communities!
Watch the NBC video of the giving opportunity here!
7 Cares Idaho Shares
What an incredible way to give! Our team recently had the opportunity to bundle up, fill the truck bed from our food drive & present a check for $7,000 to the Idaho Community Foundation! We are thankful for the generous donations & thankful to KTVB and all of the wonderful volunteers at 7 Cares Idaho Shares! We appreciate the good you are doing for our community and the State of Idaho!
NICU Awareness Month
In honor of NICU Awareness Month, our Hayden Homes team was beyond grateful to deliver a $1,500 check from First Story to the Kadlec Foundation. These dollars will go towards new equipment, toys and other needs to help the 20+ infants in their Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Thank you to the wonderful nurses, doctors and team at Kadlec for all you do for our community.
Bend Science Center
There are many ways to give. Recently, Hayden Homes had the honor to be one of the sponsors of the upcoming Bend Science Center located on the Oregon State Campus in Bend. Thanks to all who made this ground breaking so memorable to community leaders and future students of the Bend Science Center!
Learn more at bendsciencestation.com.
Breakfast with the Sheriff
Hayden Homes was thrilled to participate and donate to the FIRST Annual “Breakfast with the Sheriff” event in June. Adopting the idea from the Kennewick Police Department, The Franklin County Sheriff’s Department was excited to implement a new Community Care Fund, which enables the department to immediately help Franklin County community residents, when in need. The breakfast event had over 100 community members in attendance and raised over $8,000 for their fund. It was and honor to be able to give to this organization that is dedicated to giving to the communities in which we build and helping those in need.
Breakfast with the Chief
The South Washington team had a remarkable time at the Kennewick Police Foundation “Breakfast with the Chief” event in Kennewick. Hayden Homes is a proud supporter of the Kennewick Police Department and their Community Care Fund. The Community Care Fund was started in March 2015, and since then has helped over 200 people and families. Their mission is to support a safer community by consistently identifying and securing public and private contributions which are used to supplement funding for selected education, training, special equipment and legitimate programs for the Kennewick Police Department and Community. We were honored to provide a $1,500 sponsorship to this wonderful organization, who are bettering our communities every day.
Tesh Fiesta
The Inland NW team had a great time at the annual Tesh Inc. dinner auction fundraiser in Coeur d’ Alene. Hayden Homes is a proud supporter of Tesh. Tesh’s mission is to offer choices and opportunities to people of all ages with disabilities or other challenges seeking greater independence, self-sufficiency, and participation in the community. We are honored that we are able to give in such a away to an amazing organization that is helping to better our communities.
Big Brothers Big Sisters Bowl for Kids
Hayden Homes had a blast at their second, Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) Bowl for Kids Sake event! With two teams competing to raise money for the organization… we came in first and second, overall, raising nearly $18,000 for the charity. It’s always an honor to be able to participate in the community in this way and get not only our team members but our trade partners involved in giving. BBBS, is an amazing organization that believes that “inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life.” They pair a child with a mentor who helps show the children what truly is possible! Thank you to the team and BBBS for all you do for the community.
Avenues for Hope in Boise
The sixth annual Avenues for Hope Housing Challenge launched, with 44 nonprofits from across the state of Idaho, in order to raise funds that will help expand programs that care for the homeless and those in need of housing assistance. Organized by Idaho Housing and Finance Association and its foundation, the Home Partnership Foundation, the 24-day campaign is designed to rally support for the 44 participating nonprofits who manage the day-to-day work of serving the more than 4,000 homeless in Idaho. First Story, and the South Idaho Hayden Homes team, participated for the first time this year and was able to raise $12,697 for the organization!
Friends of Children of Walla Walla
On January 5, 2017, several of our Hayden Homes team members gathered to deliver a First Story check to Friends of Children of Walla Walla – a great non-profit engaging in our youth. They are improving lives and communities one child at a time, and we couldn’t have been more excited to donate to such an incredible organization. It was an honor to be able to give to this organization that is dedicated to giving to the communities in which we build and helping those in need.
Tesh Inc Hangover Handicap Run
It may have been only 25 degrees and snowing, but that didn’t stop the more than 250 dedicated and hearty souls from participating in Tesh, Inc.’s 40th annual Hangover Handicap 5 Mile Fun Run. Between registrations and sponsorships, including support from Hayden Homes, Tesh raised approximately $15,000, which will help fund the Tesh mission of offering choices and opportunities to people of all ages with disabilities or other challenges seeking greater independence, self-sufficiency, and participation in the community. Hayden Homes is proud to partner with organizations like Tesh, which work to improve lives and strengthen our communities. In addition to the Hangover Handicap, Hayden Homes is also proud to be a sponsor of Tesh Fest, the organization’s annual dinner and auction fundraiser taking place this year on May 6. For more information and to find out how you can help support Tesh, visit www.teshinc.com.
First Place Community in Bend
In 2016, Hayden successfully created a partnership between government, private and public entities to tackle the need for vital affordable housing in Central Oregon. The partnership, the first of its kind in the State of Oregon, created a community that will provide home ownership to 13 work-force families. These hard-working families struggle to afford quality housing due to rising rents and limited availability. The first family moved in December 2016 and more will follow in 2017.
Books for Tots, Coeur d’Alene
The season of giving is upon us, and we at Hayden Homes couldn’t be more excited about it! We were proud to be a sponsor of the 10th annual Books for Tots reception, held at Bardenay Restaurant in Coeur d’Alene. Books for Tots was created to collect books for underprivileged kids in North Idaho. All the books will be distributed along with the toys collected by the local chapter of Toys for Tots at Christmas time. While hundreds of books were donated at the reception, several local businesses also accepted donations of new books. In the spirit of giving and of the season, many of our employees volunteer their time for organizations within our communities. The holiday season is a great time to get out there and give to your community, we hope you will join us at the holiday’s by donating to or volunteering for a worthy cause to spread some holiday cheer!
Redmond
Hayden Homes was happy to be able to contribute $6,600 to the City of Redmond, for an art fundraiser. Redmond Committee for Arts in Public Places Chairwoman, Linda Gilmore Hill, said the fundraising money will help add pieces to the city’s outdoor gallery. The Hayden Homes donation is specifically funding an art glass piece inside the Evergreen building, a historic school building being renovated to serve as city hall. Due to our long-standing city relationship of nearly 30 years, Hayden Homes is pleased to support the City of Redmond as they work to create a vibrant and growing community.
Kennewick Police Department
The South Washington Team donated $5,000 to the Kennewick Police Department to their KPD (Kennewick Police Department) Community Giving fund. The Police Department is very grateful for the generous donation to help better the community and services they provide. Hayden Homes’ first Kennewick community was built in 1999. We are happy to support the ongoing efforts of the local service providers to ensure the residence are safe and secure.
Pettigrew Park in Bend
Hayden Homes was honored to be able to dedicate the park at the Pettigrew Place community, in Bend, Oregon to Rolando Garcia. Rolo was a dedicated father, incredible friend and an unwavering partner to those in which he worked. Rolo who passed away in December of 2015, was passionate about seeing his two sons through college. From this great loss, the community came together to not only support the family but also support this project to honor the life of Rolo. He will be truly missed by all those who had the opportunity to know him.
Moses Lake Park
Hayden Homes partnered with the City of Moses Lake to construct a 3.6-acre park, located at 1600 Truman Drive in Moses Lake. Hayden Homes donated and developed the land for the park, installed irrigation and a pathway, planted grass, trees and bushes. This is a twofold celebration for Hayden Homes, as we were thrilled to be part of creating a beautiful new park for the residence of Moses Lake, and we were able to show our deep appreciation to the Moses Lake community for their support of Hayden Homes since the first community was built in 1993.