Lauren Carpenter, Author at HVAF

September 9, 2022

142 veterans attend HVAF’s 17th annual Stand Down

We are excited to say that our 17th annual Stand Down event was a success! There were 58 vendors providing clothing, hygiene items, haircuts, and other important resources to 142 veterans in Indianapolis. WFYI & WRTV also came out to cover the event, interview the […]

September 13, 2022

Message from the CEO: Let’s celebrate Recovery Month

Governor Eric Holcomb recently joined the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to declare September to be Recovery Month in Indiana. This national observance held every September since 1989 helps increase awareness surrounding mental health and addiction recovery. HVAF is pleased to join […]

September 14, 2022

Meet Team HVAF: Donor & Volunteer Relations Coordinator Mary

MEET MARY Q: What do you do at HVAF? A: I work with individuals and organizations within our community who are interested in helping our veterans. I set them up to volunteer in our pantry, at our housing locations, and more! I also communicate with […]

September 14, 2022

HVAF provides Army veteran with a new furry friend!

His Guardian Angel A few years ago, Army veteran Cecil didn’t have any food to eat. Thankfully, he found out about HVAF and we have been able to provide for his needs ever since. “They’ve been my guardian angel. They feed me, take care of […]

September 19, 2022

6th Annual Hoagie Eating Contest for HVAF!

What a fun day at Hoagies and Hops’ 6th Annual Hoagie Eating Contest. This is a fun and unique way for Hoagies & Hops owner Kristin Mazza to give back to Indy’s veterans. She raised $800 for HVAF! Congratulations to Cornelius for winning for the […]

September 23, 2022

HVAF providing fresh start for Army veteran Timothy

We first met Army veteran Timothy when he participated in HVAF’s recovery program. As with every veteran, we are always here for them. Even if they need to come back a few (or many) times for assistance. Timothy reached out to HVAF again last month. […]

October 12, 2022

HVAF’s VetWorks gives Navy veteran chance to give back to the community

January 2022 At the beginning of this year, Navy veteran David got out of rehab and came to HVAF. He had used HVAF’s services before, so he knew he could count on us for help once again. While he initially just wanted help with housing, […]

October 12, 2022

Meet Team HVAF: Healthcare Navigator Lucy

Lucy has been on Team HVAF for three years! She started out as an intern, then joined the team full-time as she placed veterans in hotels at the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Now, she serves as the Healthcare Navigator on HVAF’s Rapid Rehousing Team. […]

October 12, 2022

Message from the CEO: food insecurity among our neighbors & veterans

As we move into the season of plenty—starting with too much Halloween candy, too much pumpkin spice (I said it!), and too many holiday desserts, it is sometimes easy to forget that so many in our community are food insecure. While we worry about holiday […]

October 20, 2022

HVAF thanks our Operation Alpha 2022 Sponsors!

Indiana’s Biggest, Bestest Veterans Day party is on November 11, 2022! Operation Alpha is our signature annual event raising funds to provide life-changing support and services to Central Indiana homeless and near-homeless veterans. We want to take a moment to thank our amazing sponsors! 4-Star […]

October 24, 2022

HVAF & Bob Woodruff Foundation provides the right tools for Isaiah’s career

After the military After serving as a medic in the military for 5.5 years, Army veteran Isaiah turned his focus to aerospace engineering. He is currently in school and working at AAR Aircraft Services at the Indianapolis Airport. As he is new to this career […]

November 2, 2022

Engaging with Andrea: Partnering with the Colts – My Favorite Day of the Year!

One of the most exciting days of the year for me is the day the Colts come to the pantry to volunteer! It’s wonderful to witness these professional athletes giving their time to make a difference in the lives of the veterans who visit. As […]