On Thursday, August 20th, First Story, Hayden Homes, NeighborImpact, and the City of Sisters collaborated to help three families move into their new homes through an affordable home program. A key dedication ceremony took place in Mckensie Meadows, a new Sisters community developed by Hayden Homes.
Claire Duncan, director of First Story, was first to speak at the key giving ceremony.
“The effects of COVID-19 have only reinforced the critical role that a home plays in the health safety and well being of our families throughout Central Oregon and throughout this country. We couldn’t be more excited to be having these three families move in today because we know these homes will provide them the stability, the security, and the opportunity that they’ve been dreaming of. Mckenzie Meadows is truly a success story, and it really wouldn’t have been possible without our incredible partners.”
During the ceremony, each family, who are now neighbors, expressed their sincere gratitude to all the people who have helped them along the way. First Story, along with NeighborImpact, had reached out to the Sisters community to seek applicants and to help prospective homeowners prepare for the responsibilities of homeownership. All three families are graduates of Neighborlmpact’s HomeSource Program
HomeSource Program Director Sonia Capece was in awe of this special day.
“I am so proud of these families who worked very hard to graduate our NeighborImpact-Home Source program. It’s days like this that truly show the power of community and hard work. Looking at these children today running through their new home, fills my heart with joy.”
Also in attendance was Sisters’ City Councilor Michael Preedin who also praised the teamwork.
“Among the homes built in McKenzie Meadows Village, I am proud to say there will be ten homes dedicated to affordable housing. This is an incredible accomplishment.”
Hayden Homes is the founder of the nonprofit First Story and each year helps to provide zero-down, zero-interest, 30-year loans on select homes to qualified individuals purchasing their first home. These homes are triplex units — but they are only attached at the garage and do not share a living-space wall, giving them the feel of a single-family detached home. They are 1,058 square feet with three bedrooms and two bathrooms. They come with appliances, air conditioning, fencing, and landscaping in place.
“First Story is directly addressing the affordable housing crisis, providing a hand-up to home ownership.” said First Story Board Member Caleb Anderson. Caleb, a top producing Central Oregon real estate broker with Cascade Sotheby’s International Realty added, “Now more than ever, we need rally more support to help more families in need. I invite other local businesses and residents to help us now if they can.”
If you are interested in learning more, please visit https://www.firststory.org/own-a-home.
