HANDS Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization established in May 1993, headquartered in Bowling Green, Kentucky with service areas extending to Owensboro. The organization operates as a HUD-approved credit counseling agency, positioning it within the legitimate non-profit housing and financial counseling sector rather than for-profit lending or credit repair.
HANDS offers a comprehensive suite of free and low-cost financial counseling services including pre-purchase homebuyer counseling, budget counseling, credit counseling, and loss mitigation/foreclosure prevention assistance. They provide financial literacy classes covering mortgage loans and home selection. The organization operates Scholar House, an affordable apartment complex exclusively for full-time students with dependent children under 18, offering 2BR/1BA units with utilities included, on-site childcare, computer access, and community resources.
The organization distinguishes itself through its integrated approach combining housing assistance with mandatory financial education. Scholar House residents must attend 3 life skills classes annually (including parenting), participate in tenant meetings, and maintain academic performance (2.0+ GPA). This represents a supportive housing model rather than simple housing provision. HANDS explicitly targets low-income and student-parent populations often excluded from traditional housing and credit markets.
HANDS operates transparently with published contact information, physical addresses, and service offerings. As a HUD-approved counseling agency, it meets federal standards for housing counseling. The primary limitation is geographic scope—services are concentrated in central/western Kentucky (Bowling Green and Owensboro). Some services carry modest fees ($25-$42 for home ownership courses and credit reports), though core counseling is described as available. The organization represents legitimate non-profit assistance rather than quick-fix solutions.
