What’s in a Name?

In the bird world, a nest is much more than a shelter—it’s a foundation for growth, a safe haven where young can thrive, and a place where stability is built. Similarly, the thistle offers both shelter and nourishment, with its down used to build nests, and its nectar and seeds providing sustenance to young birds. The relationship between the thistle and the birds is one of mutual benefit—each helping the other grow and thrive.

At Thistle & Nest, we see ourselves as playing a similar role within our community. The local workforce is the heart of a healthy, vibrant society, and it’s our mission to support them. Just as the thistle aids the birds, we provide the opportunity for stability and growth through homeownership. In turn, residents experiencing housing stability enrich the communities they live in. This symbiotic relationship strengthens the community for generations to come.

BOARD PRESIDENT AND FOUNDER

Amy Warren

Hello Central Oregon! I have been in the construction industry for 23 years and hold a degree in Energy Systems Engineering. In 2014, I founded Kor Community Land Trust, now Rooted Homes, a Bend-based grassroots nonprofit that addresses the need for perpetually affordable, zero-energy, owner-occupied housing. 

After eight years with Kor, I joined forces with a local developer, Larry Kine, to provide a greater number of homeownership opportunities in the town I have lived in and enjoyed for 28 years. I am also the owner of  Hive, a construction and development company that specializes in affordable, energy-efficient housing. 

I love to work, and I love the work I do in housing! My greatest work in this life, though, has been raising my two beautiful daughters with my husband, Tye Warren. When I am not working, I love to be outdoors, worshiping the sun and being active with friends and dogs.

Treasurer and Founder

Zoe Plummer

Zoe is a native Bendite and is currently completing a degree in business with a focus on marketing. She is a coach at Mountain View High School and is also part of Bend’s workforce. 

Zoe’s interest in housing started at a very young age when she had the opportunity to volunteer at Bend-Redmond Habitat’s first Women-Built home at the age of seven. She is honored to serve Central Oregon in the significant capacity that Thistle & Nest does. In her (rare) free time, she can be found living life to its fullest with family, friends, and her rescue dog, Riply.

Secretary

Shelby Steele

Shelby is a Central Oregon native through and through–she was born and raised in Bend and has also lived in Redmond and Tumalo. Her family has been in the real estate and development business for most of her life, and she now works as a real estate broker and owns an excavation company. She has also managed the building of three personal homes and has become quite familiar with the building process.

As a child, Shelby participated in competitive gymnastics for 13 years and was an All-American springboard diver in college. She has a love of the outdoors and camping. Her husband and her dogs recently welcomed a new addition to the family–baby Bo Steele.

Shelby is excited to provide the option for more “locals” her age to be able to afford their first home in Central Oregon.

Oregon Housing and Community Services

Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) is the primary funder of Thistle & Nest’s affordable housing initiatives. Their generous support creates stable, affordable homeownership opportunities for low-income families. OHCS’s commitment to housing equity and investment in our mission make them invaluable partners in building stronger communities.

Neighbor Impact

Thistle & Nest partners with NeighborImpact to provide homebuyer coaching and financial education. This collaboration ensures local residents have the support and resources needed to confidently navigate the homebuying process and achieve long-term success in homeownership. Together, we’re creating lasting opportunities for families in Central Oregon.

City of Bend

The City of Bend partners with Thistle & Nest to advance affordable homeownership through critical funding. This support provides down payment assistance and construction-offset loans, reducing the effective price of the home for homebuyers and making stable, affordable housing a reality for families in Bend.

HousingWorks

HousingWorks partners with Thistle & Nest to expand access to affordable homeownership opportunities. Through outreach efforts, program referrals, and distribution of informational materials, HousingWorks helps connect buyer-ready participants with our programs. Together, we’re supporting individuals and families in achieving housing stability and building stronger, thriving communities.

Heart of Oregon-Youth Build Program

Thistle & Nest partners with Heart of Oregon Corps through its YouthBuild Program to empower local youth with hands-on construction training. Together, we’re creating opportunities for young people to gain valuable skills and experience. By engaging in this project, YouthBuild students will develop practical skills in construction while contributing directly to their community.

Latino Community Association

The Latino Community Association (LCA) partners with Thistle & Nest to strengthen outreach and support for the Hispanic community in Central Oregon. Through LCA, we participate in Spanish-language Housing Fairs and outreach opportunities, ensuring culturally relevant resources and services that empower families and promote long-term housing stability.

Partners for affordable Housing

Partners for Affordable Housing collaborates with Thistle & Nest to advance solutions to Central Oregon’s housing crisis. As a coalition of organizations, they drive policy changes and initiatives that expand access to affordable homeownership. Through this partnership, we support efforts to educate the public on bold solutions that increase housing supply and lower housing costs in Central Oregon.