The Housing Development Alliance is a nonprofit affordable housing developer serving Eastern Kentucky. For more than 30 years, HDA has worked alongside individuals and families to create safe, affordable housing through new home construction, home repair and rehabilitation, rental housing, housing counseling, and related services.
HDA helps remove barriers to safe and affordable housing by working with individuals, families, lenders, funders, and public partners. Our work strengthens families, stabilizes communities, and supports local economies through housing development and reinvestment.
HDA primarily serves Breathitt, Knott, Leslie, and Perry counties in Eastern Kentucky.
If you live outside our service area, we can help connect you with partner organizations serving other regions.
Our office is located in Hazard, Kentucky, in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains.
The first step is to submit an online request form for the program you’re interested in (homeownership, home repair, or rental). Submitting a form does not guarantee assistance, but it allows our staff to determine whether you may qualify and what options may be available.
If you’re unable to complete a form online, you may contact our office by phone or schedule an in-person visit.
No. HDA’s programs are funded through a variety of state, federal, and private sources, each with specific eligibility requirements. While we are not able to help everyone, we work with each applicant to explore options and next steps whenever possible.
If you do not meet program requirements, HDA may be able to provide housing or credit counseling to help you work toward eligibility in the future.
There is no single set of qualifications that applies to everyone. Eligibility depends on the program and funding source, but factors may include income, debt-to-income ratio, credit history, and ability to repay a loan.
HDA primarily serves low-income households, though some programs also assist middle-income families who do not qualify for traditional assistance. Income eligibility is based on HUD guidelines, which vary by household size and county.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, we encourage you to apply or speak with our Intake Specialist.
Many people worry about credit, and you are not alone. While minimum standards apply, HDA works with applicants to improve credit and financial readiness through counseling and planning whenever possible.
No. HDA helps qualified individuals and families purchase homes that are affordable for their income. Our goal is long-term stability through sustainable homeownership.
The total cost varies by project and may include land, site development, construction, and closing costs. Homes are sold for no more than their appraised value.
Monthly payments are structured to be affordable, typically around 20–30% of gross monthly income, depending on the loan terms and project costs.
Interest rates vary by program. Many clients receive subsidies that significantly lower their effective rate, often resulting in very low interest over the life of the loan.
Common repairs include roof replacement, accessibility improvements (such as ramps), and bathroom repairs. Larger rehabilitation projects may address multiple safety, energy, or code-related issues.
Repairs are not free, but they are made affordable through a combination of loans and grants, depending on eligibility and funding availability.
Yes, as long as the home is owner-occupied and meets program requirements.
No. If needed, land purchase and development costs may be included in the total project cost.
Yes, though availability is limited. We also manage Section 8 housing for extremely low-income individuals at select properties.
Occasionally, homes may be available for purchase. Buyers must still qualify through our Homeownership Program.
HDA offers volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups, both locally and from outside the region.
HDA accepts financial donations, in-kind gifts, vehicle donations, and planned gifts. Donations support our housing programs and organizational capacity.
Over 86% of HDA’s funding supports programs and services directly benefiting families. Both restricted and unrestricted donations are used as intended and reported transparently.
No. HDA is a non-religious nonprofit organization that serves people of all backgrounds.
HDA is overseen by a volunteer board of directors and led by an executive director and professional staff.
Current job openings are posted on our website and social media channels.
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.
Please fill out this contact form and let us know what kind of help you need. A member of our staff will contact you ASAP.
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Thank you for your interest in volunteering with the Housing Development Alliance (HDA)!
This form is the first step to serving with us through either our Traditional Volunteer Program (Hands to Homes) or our Ultimate House Raising Challenge, a signature part of our Hands to Homes initiative.
Once you submit this interest form, our Volunteer & Community Coordinator will follow up to discuss next steps, available dates, and required forms.
Individuals & local volunteers:
If you’re interested in volunteering on your own or as part of a small local group, you’re welcome to continue using this form. You may also contact our Volunteer & Community Coordinator directly at 606-436-0497 or janie@hdahome.org
Our Volunteer & Community Coordinator typically responds within one week. If you have not heard from us after submitting this form, please call 606-436-0497.
Please note: This is an interest form only. Additional forms and confirmations are required before volunteering is finalized.
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