Homeownership Program - Housing Development Alliance

We build homes. We build dreams. We build futures.

Homeownership

YOUR Dream Home Starts Here

Every family deserves a safe, high-quality, affordable home. If your household meets program income guidelines, HDA can guide you step by step to homeownership.

Begin Your Homeownership Journey:

Why Homeownership Matters

Your home is more than just a roof over your head – it’s the foundation for your life, your family, and your financial future. At HDA, we build homes that are safe, energy-efficient, and affordable so families can thrive without the burden of unmanageable costs.

Over 400 households in Breathitt, Knott, Leslie, and Perry counties have achieved homeownership with HDA.

Income-Based New Home Construction

We help income-qualified households build homes that fit their budget and lifestyle. You’ll choose your floor plan, finishes, and features, while our expert builders guide you through every step – from land selection to move-in day.

Housing Counseling

Every family receives one-on-one guidance from our NCHEC Certified Housing Counselor. You’ll learn about budgeting, managing debt, home maintenance, and other skills that increase your long-term success as a homeowner. Click here to learn more about this aspect of our program.

The Right Plan

Choose layouts, finishes, and design features that match your family’s needs.

The Right Place

Don’t have land? No problem! Our Land Specialist will help you find the perfect location in Breathitt, Knott, Leslie, or Perry County.

The Right Price

All HDA homes are Energy Star Certified, saving families hundreds on utility costs each year.

Affordable Middle-Income Homes

HDA also builds high-quality homes for middle-income households through our Hope Building Program. These homes are sold on the open market but remain affordable, energy-efficient, and long-lasting.

Learn More

How to Qualify

Where You Live/Want to Live

HDA serves only the residents of Breathitt, Knott, Leslie, and Perry counties in Eastern Kentucky. Applicants must live in or plan to move to one of these counties.

Find Housing Assistance Outside Our Area

Household Size & Income

We serve families of all sizes, including single applicants.
Eligibility is based on HUD Area Median Income (AMI)
Example: AMI for a family of four in our region is currently $57,800, among the lowest in the nation.
Categories: Extremely Low Income (<30% AMI), Very Low Income (<50% AMI), Low Income (<80% AMI).

Credit & Debt

Credit is reviewed but is not a make-or-break requirement.
Counseling and support are provided to improve financial readiness.
Debt and credit review helps determine a sustainable mortgage package for your household.

Tip: Many families qualify after receiving credit guidance and support through Housing Counseling.

An ideal applicant would have a debt-to-income ratio around 25%, gross monthly income of at least *$1,750 per month (residents of Perry and Knott counties) or $1,900 per month (Leslie and Breathitt counties), a credit score near 690, and a positive history of loan repayment.

Sweat Equity Requirement

Families contribute up to 150 hours of “sweat equity” to help build their new home.
Activities include landscaping, painting, flooring, roofing, and more.
Guidance and support are provided by HDA carpenters; no prior experience is needed.
If you’re unable to complete hours due to disability or other circumstances, family, friends, or volunteers can help.

Questions About Qualifying?

Qualification guidelines can change often. For personalized guidance, contact our Intake Specialist.

Testimonials

"I love HDA for building me a new house. I appreciate it so much - you don't realize how much! I never thought I'd have a home like this again, but it's come true. And I think my wife would have liked it. I just wish she was here to share it with me. But she's still with me (in my heart), and we're going to make this place beautiful!"

"I've got a safe haven that I can call my own. It's just amazing! I wouldn't take anything for my house or for this crew from the Housing Development Alliance. They're great people. If you need help, they'll do everything in their power to help you. They made a dream of mine come true."

"Having our own home was a wish our little girl made, and it's come true! We're so happy and thankful. We love the crew and the staff at HDA. Everyone has been so kind and considerate to us. We've now celebrated a lot of firsts in our new home. We're just so glad we've had those moments in a home that's all our own."

"I'm just glad we have a good home now. The floor is level and isn't sinking through, like it was in our old house. There are no leaks, and it doesn't stay too hot or too cold. It means the world to me! And my kids love their rooms! It means so much to have the opportunity to own a new home, and it's incredible to know that so many people are willing to help with that."

"I had good parents, and my parents would have been wonderful no matter where we lived. But I still know some of the people who lived in the projects before we got an HDA home. Those people had good parents, too, but a lot of them are not doing so well today. I think a lot of the reason I've been successful in life has to do with me getting out of that environment."

“Living in a small community like this one, you are able to overcome a lot of the troubles and trials it brings with it. You know everyone, everyone knows you, and being so closely knit, we all look out for one another. Hazard is so much more than just a town or city; it is truly a community of folks helping one another. This house is a place where my daughter can run and play, a place that she can be proud of, a place that she can always call home. This is the best thing that has ever happened to me and my family. I am so thankful."

Ready to Begin Your Homeownership Journey?

HDA believes in the power of housing to transform lives. While a home won’t solve every challenge, it provides stability, financial strength, and a place for your family to thrive. Your dream home is within reach – let’s build it together.

1. Is there a cost for home repairs?
Yes – but repairs are made affordable. Most homeowners receive a combination of grants and low-interest loans based on income, household size, and the type of repair needed. We will explain all costs before any work begins.

2. Do I have to own my home to qualify?
Yes. The home must be owner-occupied, meaning you own the home and live in it. We are not able to repair homes you plan to move into or homes owned by someone else.

3. What kinds of repairs can you help with?
We focus on critical health and safety repairs, accessibility improvements, and major home rehabilitations. This can include roofs, floors, plumbing, electrical issues, ramps, HVAC (through a subcontractor), and more. Cosmetic repairs are generally not eligible.

4. How long will it take to hear back after I get started?
Due to high demand – especially following recent flood disasters – response and wait times are longer than usual. After you submit the Get Started form, our staff will contact you when your request reaches the next step. We appreciate your patience.

5. Why are there two forms?
We use two forms to make the process easier and more efficient for homeowners. The Get Started form is a short first step that lets us understand your situation and determine which repair programs may be a good fit. After reviewing that information, an HDA staff member will contact you to talk through next steps. The Home Repair Intake form is the full application and collects detailed information needed to determine eligibility and funding options. Most people begin with Get Started – our team will help you from there.

6. Does flooding affect my eligibility?
We assist homeowners who were affected or impacted by flooding, whether repairs are flood-related or not. Flood-related needs may qualify for specific funding sources, but all requests are reviewed individually.