Spokane single mom gets first home through zero-down mortgage program

SPOKANE, Wash. — A Spokane single mother and her two boys helped raise the walls of their future home Wednesday, celebrating a major milestone made possible through a zero-down, zero-interest 30-year mortgage.

Amanda Cole was chosen just months ago for First Story’s program, a nonprofit that partners with its founder, Hayden Homes, to address affordable housing in the Northwest.

“I was super excited trying not to tear up,” Cole said as she described the moment she found out she was selected.

Cole and her sons currently live in a duplex.

“They have a little front yard, but it’s right off of busy street. So playing ball, which they like. He’s a soccer player. He likes to play baseball, basketball, all that kind of stuff. It’s kind of hard right there. This will have a yard,” Cole said.

Thanks to Hayden Homes, their house is expected to be move-in ready by mid-October.

The new home means more than just space for Cole’s boys, 14-year-old Liam and 9-year-old Mason.

“What are you most excited about?” 4 News Now asked.

“Probably the backyard. Get to have a family dog or something. Go play sports out in the back,” Liam said.

Mason is most excited for privacy and plans to decorate his room with a Deadpool theme.

For Cole, the new home provides security and peace of mind.

“It’s in a safe area, and they no matter what, we’re not going to have to worry about them selling it under us,” she said.

First Story has helped more than 120 families across the Northwest become homeowners, with 12 of them in Spokane. To qualify, families must be first-time homebuyers and earn below 80% of the area median income.

“By removing not just the down payment, but by removing cash to close, you actually remove the barriers that these families think are never going to be removed. For them. It makes homeownership much more possible,” said Claire Duncan, executive director at First Story.

For Amanda and her sons, this isn’t just their house — it’s their future.

First Story said this is all made possible through partnerships and donations. For information on the non-profit, click here.