Each year, on one cold night in January, representatives go out into their community and identify homeless individuals, providing a snapshot of the area’s homeless population. In 2017, 328 homeless veterans were identified. This year, that number dropped by 20 percent to 261.

“This is remarkable but only made possible by the tireless efforts of agencies like HVAF and dozens of other agencies working in the trenches,” Aaron Carmichael, VP Advancement at HVAF, said. “And of course, our frontline social workers and case managers that dedicate their lives bringing hope to our veterans.”

As a way to share the good news, Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett joined the Coalition for Homelessness Intervention and Prevention’s (CHIP) executive director Alan Witchey and announced the results at HVAF Headquarters earlier this month.

“In January, we gathered as a unified front to continue our effort to end homelessness. Having a place to call Home is something we must strive to provide for every single one of our residents and neighbor,” Mayor Hogsett said. “Last year, we pledged to identify supportive housing for an additional 400 individuals living with homelessness – a promise that has been fulfilled. But again, that is not the whole solution – only part of it.”

Aaron thanked Mayor Hogsett and the City of Indianapolis for all of the work they do to help homeless veterans.

“In 2017, more than 600 veterans moved into permanent housing through HVAF’s assistance. This was made possible because a whole community is coming together, “Aaron said. “And Mayor, your continual push to see true,  lasting change is making a difference.”

The mayor added that he and his team will be doing even more to join the fight in ending veteran homelessness.

“This year, our focus will be providing rental assistance and wraparound support services,” he said. “We’ll continue to identify and eliminate the root causes of homelessness like poverty, mental health, and addiction; and we’ll work until every single person has a home here in Indianapolis.”