Disaster Recovery & Resilient Housing
Disaster Recovery That Builds Safer, Stronger Communities
HDA leads long-term disaster recovery in Eastern Kentucky by integrating flood recovery into affordable housing development, home repair, and resilient community planning.
A Trusted Partner in Eastern Kentucky Housing Recovery
The Housing Development Alliance is one of the few nonprofit affordable housing developers operating in multiple flood-impacted counties in Eastern Kentucky. For over 30 years, we have built new homes, rehabilitated existing housing, and developed rental options for low- and moderate-income households.
Following the 2022 and 2025 floods, HDA expanded its mission to lead long-term disaster recovery – not just rebuilding homes, but creating a resilient, safe community.
We are a proven partner for:
- State and federal agencies implementing recovery initiatives
- Foundations and philanthropic investors seeking scalable impact
- Communities seeking equitable, long-term housing solutions
Why Eastern Kentucky Needs Long-Term Recovery
Historic floods in July 2022 and February 2025 affected thousands of homes across Breathitt, Knott, Leslie, and Perry counties. While immediate relief addressed urgent shelter needs, housing recovery remains incomplete.
Many households remain displaced, and some families experienced flooding in both events. Recovery is ongoing, and the need for permanent, safe, and affordable housing is still urgent.
The Numbers Behind Recovery
Data from the Ohio River Valley Institute
In the 4 counties we serve (Breathitt, Knott, Leslie, and Perry):
- 44% of those whose homes were damaged or destroyed by the flood are children or seniors
- 60% of households with damaged homes have annual incomes of less than $30,000
- 95% of those affected did not have flood insurance
Cost to Rebuild
- Total across Eastern Kentucky: $1.4 billion
- In the four counties we serve: $529 million
- Average new home construction: $150,000–$185,000
- Average home repair: $70,000
Our Plan
Guiding Principles for Resilient Housing
Eastern Kentucky faces repeated floods. HDA approaches recovery with a strategic, multi-pronged plan to protect families, strengthen communities, and build long-term housing stability.
Principles:
1. Safety & Resilience
Build homes outside floodplains when possible
Elevate and reinforce structures to withstand flash and river flooding
Integrate energy-efficient designs for cost savings
2. Equity & Community
Prioritize households most at risk: low-income, elderly, female-headed, and marginalized communities
Support families who wish to remain in their home communities
Maintain Appalachian cultural preferences for land and homesteads
3. Regulatory Integrity
Comply with Kentucky floodplain regulations and best practices
Use science and local knowledge to identify safe build locations
4. Long-Term Stability
Provide temporary housing during rebuilding
Develop rental housing alongside homeownership units
Create subdivisions and smaller place-based developments for lasting community infrastructure
High Ground Housing Development Sites
Building Homes Above the Flood
HDA participates in High Ground Housing Developments, state-supported sites designed to relocate families safely above flood-prone areas.
Key Sites in HDA’s Service Area & Region:
| Name | County | Number of Homes | HDA Building Homes? |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Skyview |
Perry |
153 |
Yes |
|
Olive Branch |
Knott/Perry |
142 |
Yes |
|
Chestnut Ridge |
Knott |
200 |
Yes |
|
Cottages at Thompson Branch |
Letcher |
10 |
No |
|
New Hope Estates |
Floyd |
33 |
No |
|
Grand View |
Letcher |
115 |
No |
|
Wayland |
Floyd |
12 |
No |
*Table reproduced from a similar table by the Ohio River Valley Institute
High Ground sites are one component of a larger recovery strategy, complemented by scattered-site rebuilding and rental housing.
Disaster Recovery Impact to Date
HDA’s Progress in the Hardest-Hit Counties
As of March 31, 2026
Note: Data is updated monthly to reflect ongoing recovery efforts.
Recovery Made Possible Through Partnerships
Disaster recovery is complex and expensive. HDA works alongside:
- Foundations and government agencies
- Community partners and nonprofit networks
- Individual donors committed to long-term impact
Thank you to all who make this work possible.
AEP Foundation & Kentucky Power
American Red Cross (Kentucky)
Anonymous
Appalachians for Appalachia
Berea College Appalachian Fund
Blue Grass Community Foundation
Blue Ridge Insurance Group
Bowman Memorial United Methodist Church
Center for Disaster Philanthropy
Church of the Holy Spirit
Church of Reconciliation
City of Hazard
Coalition for Home Repair
Delores Barr Weaver Legacy Fund
Eastman Foundation
Endeavor Charitable Fund
Enterprise Community Partners
Episcopal Diocese of Lexington (KY)
Fahe
First United Methodist Church – Champaign, IL
Flat Rock Holiness Church
Flour Creek Christian Church
Foundation for Appalachian Kentucky & Perry County Community Foundation
Franciscan Friars
Grace Immanuel United Church of Christ
Greenwood United Methodist Church
Hamilton County Council of PTAs
Hindman Methodist Church
Holy Trinity Catholic Church
Home Lumber Company
Ink Blot Shop LLC
Janet Smith, Inc. – Perry Farm Bureau Insurance
James Graham Brown Foundation
Joshua House Fund
Kelsey Speaks – “Americana for America” Benefit Concert
Kentucky Colonels Foundation
Kentucky Housing Corporation
Kentucky River Properties
Kentucky Sports Radio & Kentucky Chamber of Commerce
KYANA Charities, Inc. & Street Rod Swap Meet (Louisville, KY)
Louisville Water Company
Marion County Cattlemen’s Association
Michelle Budzek & Gregory T. Brodrick (in honor of Gerry Roll)
Mountain View Independent Methodist Church
Paris Stockyard
Parkway Christian Fellowship
People’s Self-Help Housing
Perry County (KY) Fiscal Court
Perry Distributors, Inc.
Photography by Larry Witt
Save A Lot Foundation
SBP
Scottsville Allen Faith Coalition
Southeastern Kentucky Rehabilitation Industries
Temple University Honors Program
The Benevity Community Impact Fund
The Marist Brothers Youth Program
The Mulhollem Cravens Foundation
The Welcome Class – FBC Cumming, GA
The Whitaker Foundation
Walmart Foundation
Washington County Livestock Center
WellCare Health Plans of Kentucky
William T. Foley Foundation (in memory of Mary Foley Carew)
& All Our Donors
Support Resilient Recovery
