Army veteran Chris enjoys his mornings at the gym and evenings at home with his three kids.

But it hasn’t always been this way.

Living off the grid

Chris served as a shop repair mechanic in the United States Army from 2007-2009. He described his life after the military as “horrible,” as he spent 10 years off of the grid and using drugs.

Finally, in August 2019, a family friend reached out to HVAF on his behalf. Chris was first connected to Dorian LaMotte, the Prevention Coordinator at HVAF. He said he appreciated how Dorian didn’t judge him for his past, and was always such an encouragement to him.

“She was a motivator for me,” Chris said. “She was the first gateway to my sobriety.”

Second chances

In addition to Dorian, Chris said he is thankful for all of the help from Case Manager April Hunt and Property Manager Will Najera. HVAF has many partners around Indianapolis as well, including Homeless Initiative Program (HIP). Chris thanked Shannon and other HIP employees for helping him in his road to recovery as well.

After a few months of living in a hotel, and working with the courts to gain back custody of his children, he received an important phone call. In November, HVAF was opening up its very first permanent supportive housing units and offered one to Chris.

He said he hoped to have his kids back before the holidays. The day before Thanksgiving, they came home with him for good.

HVAF’s Help

Chris has now been drug free since August 2019, and smoke free since November 2019.

“HVAF has played a humongous part in my life changing,” Chris said. “I will never look back again.”

You can ensure we continue helping veterans reach sobriety and self-sufficiency like Chris, by making a financial, tax-deductible donation today:

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