Bend family moves into first home thanks to a local nonprofit

Bend Family Moves Into First Home With Help From Nonprofit

Bend, Ore. — After years of struggle, Laura Elder and her daughters are celebrating a major milestone: moving into their first home. The family received the keys on August 20, thanks to nonprofit First Story, which partners with builders, donors, and industry leaders to provide affordable homeownership opportunities for families earning below the median income.

“This journey has been about setting small goals to achieve one big dream: a safe, stable home,” said Elder. “It feels overwhelming, but also… really cool.” The dedication ceremony drew community support, including Bend Mayor Melanie Kebler, Commissioner Patty Adair, and City Councilor Mike Riley, who called affordable homeownership “life-changing” for families and communities.

First Story offers zero-down, zero-interest, 30-year mortgages to help first-time homebuyers achieve stability and build wealth for future generations. To date, more than 120 families across the Northwest have benefited from the program.

Elder, who has overcome addiction, homelessness, and loss, said moving into a permanent home with her daughters is “absolutely amazing.” For the Elders, this home represents a new chapter of hope and stability, made possible by community support and nonprofit initiatives focused on affordable housing.

For more information about First Story and their homeownership programs, visit www.firststory.org.