The Ultimate
House Raising Challenge!
In 2025, HDA endeavors to build & repair more homes than ever before! It’s not just a challenge we’ve set for ourselves – it’s a critical need due to the housing crisis in Appalachian Eastern Kentucky. As we work to provide flood recovery in our community, as well as affordable housing for low-income people, we welcome & encourage large groups (corporate retreats, churches, colleges & universities, etc.) to take on this challenge and frame/dry-in 1 or more homes in only 4-5 days for flood survivors & others in need!
Reigning Champs: DreamBuilders (Maryland)
Two-time champions. In the summer of 2023, this group framed TWO homes in FOUR days! In June 2024, they framed THREE homes in FIVE days.
This intense challenge is not for everyone. Imagine it: on Day 1, you arrive to our pre-selected work site, where you find a block foundation and stacks of lumber. Right away, you’re up against the clock, because by the end of the week (that’s only four to five workdays), your group will have to turn this pile of materials into a home!
To be successful, you must remain focused, disciplined, determined, and above all, stay on track. Of course, our carpenters will be there to guide and direct you at all times, but the challenge to complete this herculean task rests squarely on your shoulders. Those who make it through to the end win bragging rights, some cool swag and hardware, one heck of a meal, and a special celebratory prize from one of our sponsors. Afterwards, we’ll celebrate the work you have completed and have a meal together to show our thanks as yet another Appalachian Eastern Kentucky family/Eastern Kentucky flood survivor in need nears new homeownership because of you!
How to Get Started
Think your group has what it takes? Well, come on down and prove it! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Gather a group of eager volunteers (capped at 30 members)
- Contribute a $25,000 Sponsorship (PER HOME) to HDA; groups taking our challenge DO NOT pay a volunteer fee
- Set Aside One Week to Change the Life of an Eastern KY Flood Survivor or Low-Income Family in Need
What Will You Be Doing?
Basically, you’ll be completing a “dry-in” of a home in 4-5 workdays! “Dry-in” refers to the process of making a building structurally sound and weatherproof by completing the essential exterior work to protect it from the elements. This work includes:
- Frame floors and walls
- Set roof trusses and decking
- Shingle the roof
- Build front porch and back stoop
- Install windows and front/back doors
- Cover exterior with housewrap and siding
- Start some interior work, including installing blocking for cabinets, Raft-R-Mate, hurricane clips, and drywall clips
By the end of the work week, you’ll be amazed to see this home – and a family’s hopes and dreams – taking shape!
What is the Benefit of the Challenge?
HDA’s Ultimate House Raising Challenge gives you the opportunity to be a part of a drastic transformation – both at the work site and among your group. As the house takes shape before your eyes, your group will grow as a team, learn the value of perseverance, and gain a strong work ethic — not to mention all of those handy construction skills!
What's the Purpose of the $25,000 Sponsorship?
The $25,000 sponsorship extends our limited resources so that we’re able to serve more Eastern Kentucky flood survivors and low-income families in need of a new high-quality, affordable home. Note that if you intend to build 2 homes, you’ll need to provide a $50,000 sponsorship or $75,000 for 3 homes (i.e., $25,000 per home). Groups participating in the Ultimate House Raising Challenge do not pay a volunteer fee. With your contribution, you are directly sponsoring the building of a flood survivor’s new home or a new home for a low-income family in need. In this way, the impact of the House Raising Challenge goes beyond the house you raise; you also play an important role in sustaining our Homeownership Program for the benefit of future low-income homeowners and those in need of disaster recovery.
Do You Need Construction Experience?
No. Our carpenters will be onsite at all times to guide you through each phase.
Everyone will work together on each phase of the project. However, The Ultimate House Raising Challenge is a premium volunteer experience. It will test you, so groups that are more skilled (especially in framing houses) may find it more challenging and fulfilling than the projects typically encountered in our traditional volunteer program.
What Happens After You Leave?
After the dry-in, the framing of the house will be inspected according to state regulations. HDA carpenters at the work site will ensure that all your work is up to code and will pass inspection. Then, certified plumbing, electrical, heating and cooling subcontractors will do their part. After that, the house will be insulated and our carpenters can begin the finish work, including drywall, flooring, painting, interior trim, etc. Altogether, it only takes six to eight weeks to complete the house after the dry-in! As soon as we can, after the home is complete, we will send you a video commemorating your experience, a framed photo of the finished home, and if possible (i.e., if the recipient agrees to share information), some feedback from the receiving individual or family.
Ready to Make a Big Impact?
HDA's Ultimate House Raising Challenge is a premium volunteer experience and is the best way for your group to make an immediate change you can see & feel! Our Volunteer Coordinator will help get y'all ready to go. We can't wait to see what all you accomplish and wish you the best of luck on this extraordinary project.
Call our office at 606-436-0497 and speak to:
Jane Rose "Janie" Britton, Volunteer Coordinator
