HVAF BLOG
Check out our latest stories, events, and the best part of the job: our success stories.
November 3, 2021
In honor of Veterans Day coming up, we want to honor those on #TeamHVAF who served our country ❤️ TRANSITIONAL PRESIDENT BRIAN 𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐡 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐧? Army (Indiana Army National Guard) 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐞? I enlisted as a […]
October 20, 2021
What is RRH? HVAF – Helping Veterans And Families – provides many programs & services for homeless & at-risk veterans and their families. One program is Rapid Rehousing. This program is short-term rental and utility assistance for those who are currently homeless or facing eviction. […]
October 12, 2021
Living at White River Five years ago, Army veteran Gene B. found himself homeless. “I got kicked out of my house,” Gene recalled. “So I went down and lived at the river.” After his tent caved in due to snow and ice, he decided to […]
October 7, 2021
SOME THOUGHTS on RETIREMENT. No one should be surprised I chose this topic. “Retirement” is something we’ve all heard of, but it doesn’t occupy much of our thoughts and generally seems abstract and far away. The military usually (always?) retires service members long before their […]
September 22, 2021
MEET BEN Q: What do you do at HVAF? A: My job here at HVAF is the Volunteer and Donor Relations Coordinator. What that means is I work with individuals and organizations in our community to come to help our veterans by having them come […]
September 22, 2021
MEDIA CONTACT INFORMATION: Lauren Carpenter | Marketing & Communications Coordinator HVAF – Helping Veterans And Families 317-951-0688 lvcarpenter@hvaf.org HVAF President & CEO Brian Copes to retire, Emmy Hildebrand named first female HVAF CEO FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Indianapolis, IN — HVAF – Helping Veterans And […]
September 20, 2021
“If it weren’t for this place, I probably wouldn’t be where I am at now.” After years of drugs and alcohol, Army veteran Michael S. knew he needed to make a change. A few years ago, while working at the Living Room Lounge, a fellow […]
September 16, 2021
A tasty competition Every year, HVAF participates in many community events that benefit our veterans. One of our favorites? Hoagies & Hops’ hoagie eating contest! On September 11, 17 locals participated in the fifth annual contest – where 100 percent of the proceeds benefitted HVAF! […]
September 14, 2021
In the midst of a pandemic, veterans need our help more than ever. Thankfully, HVAF could host Stand Down – an annual event that provides goods, services, and resources for veterans. Last week HVAF held the event for the 16th time (!!) at the Indiana […]
September 7, 2021
In November 2020, Marine Corps veteran Bill reached his lowest point. He didn’t have electricity, water, or gas in his house. And he didn’t want to continue living. After spending a few days at the VA Hospital, they encouraged to receive support at HVAF. He […]
September 7, 2021
SOME THOUGHTS on AUGUST 31, 2021. I want to say the remarks which follow are more practical than political as it’s not my place to advocate or argue beyond what’s best for the veterans we serve but… this moment seems a bit different and so […]
August 31, 2021
Below are thoughts from HVAF’s VP for Strategy, Emmy Hildebrand, regarding the annual Point In Time (PIT) Count results: Many effects of the COVID-19 pandemic were immediately known in March of 2020… Lockdown. Lost jobs. Schools closed. Many more are only now coming into focus—including […]
August 24, 2021
Where it all began Two years ago, HVAF Veteran Workforce Development Director Kiara met Army National Guard veteran Geraldine (Gerrie). After hearing her story, Kiara knew HVAF’s Workforce Development department could help her. One week later, they met in her office and talked through Gerrie’s […]
August 18, 2021
My name is Andrea Carlile and I am the Community Engagement Coordinator at HVAF. I connect community organizations, corporations, and individuals, striving to develop partnerships and continued support. I also raise awareness about the needs veterans face and how HVAF provides programs and services to […]
August 17, 2021
The following is a message from HVAF President & CEO Brian Copes (who served in Afghanistan): My thoughts and prayers are with my fellow veterans and service members who served in Afghanistan. I want to affirm for our veterans and service members; and their families, […]
