Before her time receiving help from HVAF, United States Army veteran Rhonda Seward sacrificed and served her country for 22 years.

“I wanted to make a difference,” Rhonda said.

With years of serving in the military, obtaining her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees, and working hard to make smart decisions for her life, Rhonda never thought she would find herself homeless.

Unfortunately, a few years ago she lost her job. She found herself homeless, and came to Indianapolis to live with her friend. She went to the VA for help, and they referred her to HVAF.

“It was a rewarding experience for me, because I was devastated – I had never been homeless, or without a job,” Rhonda said. “I didn’t know what that looked like or felt like.”

Rhonda worked on overcoming her obstacles because she received help from HVAF’s case manager Hyacinth and Employment Coordinator Kiara.

“During her time at HVAF, Rhonda was very pleasant, hardworking, and committed to changing her situation,” Hyacinth said. “She did not allow anything to stand in her way.”

Kiara said she did not work with Rhonda a lot, which was good she worked hard on her own.

“Working with Rhonda was a very pleasant experience, as Rhonda was very self-sufficient,” Kiara said. “She had a clear vision of what she wanted to do, and I knew nothing would hinder her from reaching her goals.”

Rhonda lived in Moreau Apartments – one of HVAF’s transitional housing properties – for one year. Meanwhile,  moved into her own apartment!

Today, Rhonda works full time AND gives back to the community – as she helps fellow veterans who are wanting to do more with their lives. Her volunteer work includes being a Veterans Court mentor, President of the Lincoln Apartments Council, and participating on the Patient Advisory Council at the VA.

Above all, Rhonda is very thankful for HVAF because she did not know what to do when she was homeless.

“I really do appreciate HVAF. Now I can be the voice for someone who is homeless.”