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This year’s 12 Vets Of Christmas begins on December 20! Each day for 12 days, you will get to meet each one of these veterans and find out how your support has changed their life for the better. We hope you’ll tune in right here on our blog (and social media – @hvafofindiana) and continue to support HVAF in 2024 and beyond!

Day Eleven – Alan’s Journey of Resilience and Renewal

Meet Alan, a former Marine who transitioned to civilian life in 1996 and has overcome significant challenges ever since. After experiencing five years of homelessness, Alan found hope through the support of HVAF by joining our transitional housing and VetWorks programs.

Alan at Vetworks graduation

“I just needed some stable ground,” Alan said.

While volunteering (which he does almost every single day) at HVAF, Alan was housed at our Manchester Apartments, and on the night of the fire on October 26, he lost everything.

“I was fixing to cook myself something to eat when someone banged on my door, shouting about the smoke… after that, it went so fast,” Alan said, recalling the night of the fire. Alan was one of the 48 veterans who lost not just the roof over their heads, but everything they owned.

“Today I’ve only got the same things I first came here with, but everyone got out and no one got hurt in the fire,” Alan said, grateful for the safety of his fellow residents.

Since that devastating night, Alan has preserved and achieved some major milestones. In November, just a few weeks after the fire, Alan was a part of HVAF’s largest VETWORK phase 1 graduation, earning the skills he will need to maintain full-time employment. And in December, we are so happy to report that Alan has moved into a new home!

Your generous donations make it possible for veterans like Alan to rebuild their lives and achieve their dreams.

This holiday season, join us as we head into 2025 and help continue to empower veterans like Alan on their path to success with one final 2024 tax-deductible donation!

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