From a Rest Stop to a Fresh Start: Mark’s Story
August 12, 2026A New Era!
A New Era for HVAF
After 22 months of construction, last week we celebrated the complete restoration of Manchester Apartments. We’ve been focused on restoring this important part of our housing inventory since the fire. And I’m so proud to finally say we made it!
The night of the fire is permanently etched in my brain. The sights, the sounds, the smell. And, the overwhelming weight of worry. Worry about the safety of the veterans. Worry about the future of our transitional housing program. Worry about the financial loss.
One by one, those worries dissipated. 
The day after the fire, we had full accountability for the veterans who were displaced by the fire.
That worry was resolved.
We temporarily housed veterans in hotels and then leased an off-site location to bring our transitional housing program back to full capacity. That worry was resolved.
Our community rallied around us, so that with our insurance proceeds and charitable contributions, we were able to design and build a brand-new Manchester Apartments. This property has more housing units and an expanded pantry—both of which provide critical assistance to veterans in our community.
That worry was resolved.
Looking back, I realize that we started moving forward the day after the fire. On our first walk through the damaged property, we were encouraged to think big. And though it took some time, I never doubted that we would be here today. Standing back on our feet, stronger for the experience we’ve been through, and still always focused on our mission.
Manchester Apartments has been providing housing for veterans for over 15 years, and now, we are fully open and ready to continue that important work.
I hope to never experience a disaster of this magnitude again. But, I am in awe of how much beauty we’ve seen over the last 22 months. Every phone call, every text, every offer to help carried us through each day. Because of your support, we are healed.
Manchester is no longer a burned-out shell of a building, and our hearts are no longer weighed down with worry.
We made it.