What an incredible journey it has been.
HDA was founded in 1993 from a conversation held between individuals that were looking to address the housing needs of this area. The dreams were big and the vision was strong.
Fast forward 20 years and we are looking at major growth, impact, and change. Although we are based in Hazard, we now have a service area of four counties, which include the additions of Leslie, Knott, and Breathitt Counties. We have expanded to a staff of 25 direct positions, with 50 additional jobs supported by HDA. Our board of directors is composed of passionate, caring people looking to make a difference.
Over the last two decades, HDA has built 192 homes, repaired 447 homes, and developed 35 rental units. 20 new homes were built in 2013 alone.
We weren’t able to achieve these successes by ourselves. It is with the support of our dedicated volunteers and community supporters that make it possible. Hammerin’ in the Hills is our volunteer program that sees groups come from all over the nation, while events like Community House Raising and Repair Affair happen with our neighbors in our service counties.

As we dive further into our 20th Anniversary, we are excited to bring forward our newly revised Hammerin’ in the Hills blog.
There are many events coming our (and your!) way. Just next week, we will see our first volunteers of 2014 arrive in Hazard. We’ll be welcoming college students from St. Joseph’s University and members of South Elkhorn Christian Church. Kentucky Gives Day, in which we will be a part of, is on April 9th. On April 12th, we will kick off our first Community House Raising in Breathitt County. Our annual Perry County Repair Affair will be on May 17th.
With each day that passes, we are closer to surpassing 200 homes new homes built and 500 repairs completed. With numbers like that, you can bet we are going to be celebrating! Be on the look out to see when we reach that goal.
We are still dreaming. We are still following our vision. It is our hope that as HDA continues its work in this region, you will join us for the ride. This blog will continue to deliver updates from HDA, including things like Repair Affair or a day in the life of volunteers or an interview feature with a board member. We encourage you to check back in with us frequently.
Until next time!
Labels: affordable housing, celebrations, Hazard Kentucky, HDA
posted by Volunteer Department #
4:58 PM 