Local volunteers are an essential part of the Housing Development Alliance’s work in our Eastern Kentucky community. Through Hands to Homes, we invite individuals and groups from Breathitt, Knott, Leslie, and Perry counties to serve alongside our professional crews – helping build and repair homes for neighbors in need.
You don’t have to travel far to make a real difference. Sometimes, the most meaningful work happens right at home.
Local volunteers are individuals and groups who live in or near the community HDA serves and want to give their time to support affordable housing and disaster recovery efforts.
We welcome:
Individuals looking to serve their community
Church, school, civic, and business groups
College students and community members
Returning volunteers who want to stay involved locally
Local volunteer opportunities are flexible and based on current project needs.
Local volunteers serve as part of an active HDA crew and are assigned to projects where help is most needed at the time.
Depending on timing and need, local volunteers may assist with:
New home framing and finishing
Home repair and rehab projects
Accessibility improvements such as ramps and handrails
Interior and exterior finishing work
You’ll work alongside HDA’s professional carpenters and staff, contributing directly to homes moving forward.
Local volunteers do not pay a volunteer fee.
If you’re unsure whether your group is eligible, our Volunteer & Community Coordinator can help.
We welcome:
Individuals
Small groups
Larger groups (generally capped at 30 participants)
Large groups may be divided into smaller teams and assigned to different worksites to ensure everyone has meaningful, productive work to do.
Volunteer dates are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis and coordinated with our staff based on project needs.
While most local volunteer opportunities involve assisting on active construction or repair sites, local groups may also participate in the Ultimate House Raising Challenge when capacity allows.
This intensive, team-based experience helps accelerate the construction of one or more new homes and is part of our Hands to Homes rollout.
Local volunteers:
Provide their own transportation to worksites
Bring their own snacks and meals unless otherwise noted
Are provided water on-site
Work takes place in a variety of settings and weather conditions, depending on the project. Our team will communicate expectations in advance so you can come prepared.
If your group has special needs or requests, let us know – we’ll do our best to accommodate when possible.
Volunteering locally with HDA is more than lending a hand for a day. It’s an opportunity to:
Help flood survivors and low-income neighbors live in safer homes
Strengthen your own community
Be part of something that lasts beyond a single project
Local volunteers are essential to the work we do – especially for families who cannot complete required labor on their own.
Many HDA new home clients are required to complete sweat equity hours as part of our Homeownership Program. For some families, this requirement is difficult or impossible to meet due to disability, age, health limitations, or lack of extended family support.
That’s where local volunteers come in.
By volunteering with HDA, you help:
Ensure families can meet program requirements
Support neighbors who need extra hands to move forward
Keep affordable housing accessible to those who need it most
Your time helps remove barriers – and helps turn houses into homes.
When neighbors show up for neighbors, the impact is felt across generations.
Local volunteers must be 18 years or older.
Some local high school groups that have volunteered with HDA in the past may participate with approval and appropriate adult supervision. If you’re unsure whether your group qualifies, our Volunteer & Community Coordinator can help you determine the best fit.
Local volunteers play a unique and powerful role in our work.
Many of the families we serve are required to complete sweat equity hours as part of the homeownership process. When a homeowner is disabled, elderly, or otherwise unable to complete those hours themselves, local volunteers help make homeownership possible by stepping in.
By serving locally, you are:
Helping neighbors remain housed safely
Supporting families who cannot do the work alone
Strengthening your own community from the inside out
Local volunteers don’t just help build and repair houses – they help build pathways to stability.
Local volunteers can serve year-round, often with more flexibility than regional groups.
Opportunities include:
One-day service projects
Multi-day work weeks
Special volunteer or fundraising events
Ongoing support during active construction phases
Dates are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis and depend on project availability.
No. Local volunteers do not pay a volunteer fee.
Because local volunteers do not require housing or extended coordination, there is no participation cost. Donations to support HDA’s work are always appreciated but never required.
Local volunteers assist with:
New home construction
Home repair and rehabilitation
Accessibility improvements
Framing and finishing work
Special build or repair events
Volunteers are assigned where the need is greatest at the time. You’ll work alongside HDA carpenters and crews and receive guidance throughout the day.
No. Construction experience is not required.
Our carpenters provide instruction, oversight, and support. Whether you’re brand new or highly skilled, there’s a role for you on the worksite.
Large local groups may be divided into smaller crews to ensure everyone has meaningful work to do. Crews may be assigned to different sites within the same area.
Smaller groups and individuals are typically placed directly with an HDA crew.
Local volunteers are responsible for:
Their own transportation to and from worksites
Bringing snacks and meals as needed
HDA provides water at worksites, and meals may occasionally be provided during special volunteer events.
When appropriate and possible, local volunteers may meet the homeowners or families they are serving.
These moments are meaningful, but not guaranteed, as privacy and safety always come first.
To get started:
Click Volunteer With Us
Contact our Volunteer & Community Coordinator to discuss availability and scheduling
Watch for updates about special volunteer events
We’ll help you find the right opportunity to serve your neighbors well.
If you’re interested in volunteering locally, start by reaching out to our team. Our Volunteer & Community Coordinator will help identify opportunities that align with your availability and our current needs.
Jane Rose Britton, Volunteer & Community Coordinator
Phone: 606-436-0497
