Volunteering with the Housing Development Alliance means working side by side with our professional crews to build new homes and repair existing ones for families in Eastern Kentucky. You don’t need construction experience – just a willingness to show up, work hard, and be part of something that matters.
As part of our Hands to Homes initiative, HDA’s Volunteer Program is focused on doing what matters most: building what lasts – safe, quality, affordable homes that support families and communities for generations – and repairing homes as efficiently and effectively as possible.
Volunteers are an essential part of this work. When you serve with HDA, you become part of an active jobsite – helping frame new homes, complete finishing work, or repair houses for families in need. Every volunteer day contributes directly to progress you can see.
What to expect:
The Ultimate House Raising Challenge is HDA’s flagship volunteer experience and a cornerstone of our Hands to Homes rollout.
Designed for larger groups, this challenge brings teams together to help raise the framework of one or more new homes in a concentrated, high-impact experience. It’s fast-paced, collaborative, and deeply rewarding – offering volunteers a clear sense of accomplishment and a tangible connection to the family or families they are helping.
This opportunity is ideal for:
In Eastern Kentucky, community runs deep. We believe in neighbors showing up for one another – and local volunteers continue to play an important role in our work.
Residents of Breathitt, Knott, Leslie, and Perry counties are invited to serve with us as opportunities arise, supporting home construction and repair projects close to home. Whether you’re part of a church, school, business, or civic group, your time and effort help strengthen our communities from the ground up.
HDA’s Volunteer Program is built around partnership and purpose.
Volunteers work directly with our experienced carpenters on active job sites, serving as part of a crew rather than observers on the sidelines. Our staff are skilled not only in construction, but in teaching and guiding volunteers of all experience levels.
Whenever possible, volunteers also have the opportunity to meet the homeowners or families they are helping – putting faces and stories to the work being done.
Along the way, you’ll:
Learn new construction and carpentry skills
Gain a deeper understanding of Appalachian culture and Eastern Kentucky
Experience the region’s natural beauty
Leave knowing your work made a real difference
Build more than 350 new homes
Repair over 1,000 homes
Contribute 125,000+ volunteer hours
Serve over 3,000 families in need
Hands to Homes builds on this legacy – allowing us to serve more families, more effectively, than ever before. When you volunteer with HDA, you’re not just helping for a day or a week – you’re helping build what lasts.
Volunteer opportunities are scheduled throughout the year and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Groups can view available dates and begin planning their time with us using our Volunteer Calendar.
The calendar is intended to help groups:
See when volunteer opportunities are available
Identify dates that may work for their group
Begin conversations about scheduling and logistics
After you submit the volunteer & group interest form, our Volunteer & Community Coordinator will follow up to discuss your group, timing, and next steps. Regional volunteer groups will also receive a Volunteer Planning Guide to help prepare for their experience with HDA.
We’ll walk you through everything you need to know – so you can focus on serving.
Your Contact:
Jane Rose (“Janie”) Britton, Volunteer & Community Coordinator
