How to add static content before the feed on the front page?
there are multiple ways to do this:

1. Use the default block system

Create a new block admin/structure/block/add and insert your headline (or none) and the body text. Under Visibility settings select Only the listed pages and insert &lt;front&gt;. Select under region the region where the block shall be shown, or do this at admin/structure/block after saving the block.

2. Use panels + page manager (ctools)

Create a new panel page and make this page your frontpage, put the feed you want to be displayed inside of the main area, add a custom content pane before that feed/ view.

3. page.tpl.php

inside of your templates page.tpl.php you can add a codeblock for your custom content, drupal_is_front_page will help your here:

&lt;?php
if (drupal_is_front_page()) {
  //your custom code
}
?&gt;


reference for bartik: page.tpl.php with bartik you could use the $is_front variable as well for detection.