Soon after the flood, we knew that we’d need to double our production in the next calendar year, which is part of our Higher Ground plan.
We have the opportunity to get this recovery right and economically move the needle for some of the most distressed Appalachian counties. Getting people out of substandard housing in flood-prone areas and into safe, energy efficient homes will give residents the opportunity to create wealth through housing.
In the wake of the 2022 floods, arguably one of the worst disasters ever to occur in the state of Kentucky, local and state leaders identified housing as the #1 need of flood survivors. In a single night, the housing crisis that had existed in Eastern Kentucky before the flood became staggeringly worse. All of the issues related to poor quality housing in the region were only exacerbated. With people looking for leadership and hope, the Housing Development Alliance, as one of the few affordable housing nonprofits operating in the region, stepped up to lead local disaster recovery efforts.
Thanks to our funders and donors, we’ve been able to help more people than we ever thought possible! Because of your support, we can continue to help more people as recovery continues. Below are just 6 of the 82 flood survivors you’ve helped during the last fiscal year.
George and Sherry nearly lost their lives in the Lower River Caney community of Breathitt County on July 28, 2022. Floodwaters split their home in half, and the couple had to be rescued by helicopter. Thanks to you, they now have a new home on higher ground in northern Perry County!
William and his wife, Cheyenne, had built a good life for themselves in Knott County, but in a single night, flash foods demolished their home. Because of you, William, Cheyenne, their son Caleb, and baby Maggie now have a new home that will never flood! Located in the Emmalena community, the Whites’ new home is on Amils Mountain.
Living in Lost Creek (not far from Lower River Caney) in Breathitt County, Betty watched floodwaters rise to the top of her home’s windows, thinking that she and her little granddaughter would soon drown. But they survived, and thanks to you, Betty’s home, which isn’t in the floodplain, has been fully rehabbed, making it possible for her to return to the home she loves!
Wilma lost her longtime husband in 2021, and then, on the night of the flood in 2022, she nearly lost the home they’d built together. She and her disabled son, who lives with her, were terrified as floodwaters rose inside their home in far northern Breathitt County. But they made it through the storm and now have a much-improved home with new floors, repaired plumbing, porches, a ramp & more!
Rosemarie was home alone in Lost Creek on the night of the flood. Pregnant at the time, Rosemarie had to climb a hill to escape the rising water. Her home was destroyed. She and her husband, Ronnie, purchased a mobile home on higher ground that needed accessibility repairs that are difficult for low-income families to afford, but thanks to you, those repairs were made!
