New Story helps families break generational poverty through land, home ownership
New Story helps families in Latin America build generational wealth by making first-time land and home ownership possible. As a result, families break the cycle of poverty and strengthen the economic landscape of their communities.
Since 2014, through innovative and sustainable methods, this nonprofit has empowered families to transform their lives. New Story tackles the global housing crisis through market-based solutions, not handouts.
Matthew Marshall, chief business officer and co-founder, says when families acquire land and homes, the communities they serve experience a generational ripple effect from growth. Notably, more than 60% of the landowners are Latino women, reflecting the organization’s broader impact.
In 2019, New Story piloted home construction using 3D printing. Marshall explains, “3D printing showcased what's possible, but we've evolved to focus on helping families secure land ownership and financing first. Technologies like 3D printing can only work if the underlying land is secure and complete with infrastructure.” This shift advances New Story’s strategy toward sustainable and scalable community impact.
“It’s inspiring to see how deeply the New Story team cares for the communities they serve. By opening doors to land and homeownership, they’re providing more than shelter, they’re giving families the opportunity to rewrite their story for generations to come.” Julissa Santoyo
Specialized payment plans help low-income families access land ownership in just two years, where the norm is more than 10 years. Donations support programs such as financial literacy training, legal aid and technical assistance, while land development and infrastructure rely on impact investment capital.
“We've reimagined affordability by focusing on land first. For example, families can afford a $10,000 land lot paid slowly over 24 months but not a $30,000 home upfront,” Marshall says. “This layaway-style payment system lets families make small monthly payments they can manage and build their credit history.”
Community growth also means more opportunities and education for residents. To drive this, New Story trains local masons and construction workers by partnering with financial institutions like Synovus. This approach is key to reaching more families and helping them access the capital they need. With Synovus, New Story has increased its impact by helping more people buy land and homes and learn new skills.
Julissa Santoyo, a Synovus commercial banker in central Atlanta, works closely with the New Story team and expresses pride in what they have achieved together. “It’s inspiring to see how deeply the New Story team cares for the communities they serve,” she says. “By opening doors to land and homeownership, they’re providing more than shelter, they’re giving families the opportunity to rewrite their story for generations to come.”
Synovus provides a line of credit for working capital needs, helping New Story sustain its teams in Latin America and the United States. The partnership has allowed New Story to continue their mission of bringing financial wealth to families in need.
“Support from financial institutions like Synovus validates our market-based approach,” Marshall says. “Synovus has made it possible for us to do business internationally in a way that works for our investors and the families we serve. This partnership demonstrates that doing good and sound financial practices can go hand-in-hand.”
Read more about how Synovus team members are enabling people to reach their full potential.
