Progress Report
Update March 2025
Update on Manchester Apartments Reconstruction and Veteran Housing Success
After the October 26, 2024, fire that devastated Manchester Apartments, a transitional housing facility for 48 homeless veterans, HVAF of Indiana has been steadfast in its commitment to providing support, stability, and long-term housing for affected veterans. Today, we’re excited to share meaningful progress in both rebuilding Manchester Apartments and exceeding veteran housing placement benchmarks.
Key Updates on Reconstruction Efforts
The Manchester Apartments rebuilding efforts are officially underway with extensive remediation now complete. During the past several months, we have been focused on addressing fire, smoke, and water damage, often removing debris by the bucketload. Thanks to the dedicated work of HVAF staff, volunteers, and donors, progress is well on its way.
North Corridor
• Currently being reconstructed to include 23 transitional housing beds.
• Completed assessments of the structure, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems are paving the way for a safe and secure reopening in the coming months.
• Plans include installing upgraded electrical panels, all-new windows, and enhanced fire safety systems.
South Corridor
• The most heavily damaged area is undergoing redesign efforts in collaboration with a local, veteran owned, design and architecture firm.
• Early plans indicate the opportunity for additional housing units for veterans as well as expanded food and clothing pantry space and improved storage to better serve veterans.
• These improvements, funded through community donations, will enhance the facility beyond what insurance coverage allows.
“The support from our community has been remarkable. With this new chapter of Manchester Apartments, we are creating more opportunity for veterans to begin their journeys toward self-sufficiency.”
HVAF CEO Emmy Hildbrand
Veteran Housing Success:
While rebuilding has been ongoing, our commitment to serving veterans has remained unwavering. Despite the tragedy, HVAF is exceeding national metrics set by the Department of Veteran Affairs to achieve truly remarkable outcomes for veterans in transitional housing.
- To hear from a veteran displaced by the fire who has successfully moved into permanent housing, click the link below!
Since October 27, 2024:
• 84.3% of veterans leaving HVAF transitional housing have successfully exited into permanent housing—a significant achievement compared to the Department of Veterans Affairs 70% national benchmark.
• The number of veterans in transitional housing successfully placed into permanent housing has increased by an impressive 82% year-over-year.
“Each successful exit represents a veteran whose homelessness has ended. Despite the immense challenges posed by the fire at Manchester Apartments, I’m beyond proud of our team for continuing to provide high-quality services during such a trying time. Exceeding performance metrics during this period is a testament to the unwavering dedication of our staff.”
HVAF CEO Emmy Hildbrand
Looking Ahead
HVAF remains devoted to ensuring that more veterans move into permanent, stable housing and that Manchester Apartments becomes a beacon of hope and opportunity for Hoosier heroes. The reconstruction process is a heavy lift—one made possible through the incredible generosity of donors, volunteers, and community members.
To make a lasting difference in the lives of our veterans, we invite you to join us in these efforts. Contributions to the reconstruction fund will help us create safer, state-of-the-art housing that ensures every veteran has a chance at a better future.
To support HVAF during this challenging time, please consider donating here: https://www.hvafofindiana.org/donate-hvaf-fireassistancefund/. Essential items for displaced veterans can be purchased through our Amazon Wish List. For the veterans we serve, the loss from the fire was unimaginable. We deeply appreciate the community’s ongoing support as we work to rebuild and recover over the next two years.
Image Gallery
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- A Veteran Resident looks on at the aftermath
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- Manchester Apt. Night of Fire
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- IFD Officer surveys the scene
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- IFD going through remains of building
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- Raised Flag inside interior apartment
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- American Flag found in recovery efforts
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- Donations from community after fire
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- Donations from community after fire
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- 1st Floor (North) Reconstruction
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- 1st Floor (South) Reconstruction
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- 3rd Floor (North) Reconstruction
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- 3rd Floor (South) Reconstruction
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- North Corridor Hallway Reconstruction
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- Drywall going up in North Corridor
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- Drywall going up in North Corridor
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- Drywall going up in North Corridor
MEDIA CONTACT INFORMATION:
Nolan Anderson
Marketing & Communications Manager
317-835-1445
nanderson@hvaf.org
ABOUT HVAF:
Helping Veterans And Families (HVAF) helps homeless veterans return to self-sufficiency and engages at-risk veterans and their families to prevent them from becoming homeless by providing supportive housing, case management, employment support, therapy, and basic needs including food, hygiene and clothing. In 2023, HVAF served 1,349 veterans and provided over 37,000 life-changing services.
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