Thomas Gasta, Author at HVAF

December 28, 2015

Comedy fundraiser benefits veterans in recovery

When Marti MacGibbon isn’t speaking to inspire and encourage behavioral health and medical professionals, or working on her second book or traveling between California and Indiana, you will find her raising awareness and funds for HVAF and other recovery housing programs in Indy. The addiction […]

December 29, 2015

Warm socks: A welcome gift for homeless veterans at HVAF

The Indiana Podiatry Group donated 1,100 pairs of socks and roughly 60 pair of Crocs shoes to HVAF on Monday, December 28, 2015. The effort originated as an idea from two medical assistants and quickly ended up gaining support and donations among seven Indiana Podiatry […]

January 25, 2016

How a Vietnam veteran fought his way out of homelessness and found his purpose

Dewayne’s soft, thoughtful eyes show the hard struggles he has gone through but he has found his way of of homelessness.Born in Indianapolis, Dewayne, who is now in his early 60’s, moved in with friends while he got back on his feet. For years, Dewayne […]

January 25, 2016

Community event aims to help homeless veterans

Iraq war veteran Chistylee Vickers followed in both parents’ footsteps to serve in the Army but noticed the growing struggles female veterans faced once at home. Chistylee, Commander of the Indianapolis American Legion Women’s Post 438, organized a “Grab & Go” event at HVAF on […]

January 25, 2016

Homeless veteran serves as mentor

After serving in the Navy stateside for four years, starting a family and having a lengthy career in medicine, Jim. W., 56, found himself homeless and struggling with drugs and substance abuse. “My wife had gotten sick and we went through some rocky times together,” […]

January 25, 2016

Software provider volunteers at HVAF

First time volunteers Lindsey McLelland and five others from Blackbaud, a supplier of software and services, volunteered at HVAF in December. The group sorted and stocked donations in HVAF’s clothing pantry. Lindsey was introduced to HVAF through a co-worker and then researched volunteer opportunities at […]

January 25, 2016

Empowering veterans by explaining expungement

U.S. Army veteran Sam M. desperately wanted to attend his grandmother’s funeral. He did, but immediately following the viewing he was escorted back to his jail cell. He was scared and alone. In 1996, Sam had been convicted of a drug charge and sentenced to […]

February 17, 2016

The Home Depot Foundation provides veterans a breath of fresh air

An Indianapolis veteran will be breathing a bit easier today thanks in part to the Home Depot Foundation. Daniel M., 56, struggled with breathing problems as a child. At 18, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis. But that didn’t stop him from joining the Navy in […]

February 22, 2016

Veteran battles the downs in life

Born in Spencer, Indiana, Roy, 57, served in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. Before his life fell apart and before drugs and alcohol brought him down, he was a tough and proud soldier. Still, nothing could prepare him for homelessness. In March 2013, Roy sought help at […]