An unexpected call to action

88 – a number Army Veteran Jackson will never forget.

It’s his lottery number that meant he was drafted for the Vietnam War.

“When you got drafted, going in, you were not expected to come back,” Jackson said. “Right out of college, life’s supposed to be beginning and you’re going to a point when you might be going to end it.”

Thankfully, Jackson came home.

Jackson received life-saving services, thanks to you!

A few years ago, Jackson moved from Tennessee to Indiana to be close to his family. Last fall, living in a motel, he had hopes to live in his own apartment but needed help to make that a reality.

Because of you, HVAF was there to help.

Jackson was assigned to a case manager, Sarah, who helped him with housing and addressed other barriers he was facing.

She helped him get his disability benefits through the VA which, like many other Vietnam War veterans, he never knew he could receive.

She referred him to our food pantry (that your support makes possible) where he received essential food and hygiene items each week.

And, after losing his job just one week before moving into his own apartment, he received employment assistance from our Employment Team.

With support in place, Jackson moved out of the motel into his own apartment in just a month. He will continue to work closely with Sarah and receive rental assistance until he’s fully self-sufficient.

Jackson said he is thankful to call Sarah his case manager.

“Sarah’s great. I give her a problem and usually by the end of the day, she has a solution to the problem,” Jackson said. “We stay in contact daily. She sends a text message every morning.”

Next steps for Jackson include improving his credit score, receiving financial counseling, and scheduling dental and eye appointments.

A very Merry Christmas for Jackson

This past Christmas, Jackson received gifts thanks to your generous giving. He said in his 75 years, he’s never received so many gifts at once!

Jackson hopes our donors continue supporting Hoosier Heroes like him in the future. “I want to thank you for your gifts and ask you to not give up on us but please try to help us.”

With your help, we can ensure other veterans like Jackson receive the necessary support to achieve self-sufficiency.