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.
No, we do not.
We wish we could do more here, and we want to be honest about what we can and can’t offer.
HDA is an affordable housing developer. We build and repair homes, and we manage a small number of affordable rentals – but we are not a homeless services provider. We do not operate emergency shelters, provide immediate or temporary housing, offer rental assistance or deposits, or help with eviction prevention. We also cannot place anyone in housing quickly. Our programs generally take months, not days.
If you need help today: Please call Kentucky 211 (dial 211 or text your ZIP code to 898211). Kentucky 211 maintains the most current list of shelters, emergency assistance, and crisis services in your area and can connect you with help far faster than we can.
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.
Occasionally, homes may be available for purchase. Buyers must still qualify through our Homeownership Program.
Yes, we rent apartments and single-family homes, though availability is limited. We also manage Section 8 housing for extremely low-income individuals at select properties.
No pets will be allowed in any Housing Development Alliance rental unit except for those pets deemed a reasonable accommodation of the American with Disabilities Act.
Yes, we do. Here’s how it works:
Interested individuals or families contact HDA
Our staff reviews eligibility and collects required information
Eligible applicants are placed on the waiting list
When a unit becomes available, applicants are contacted in chronological order
While openings are limited, we encourage eligible households to apply so they are on file when vacancies occur. To apply for our rental waiting list, email our rental team to request an application.
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.
