HVAF BLOG
Check out our latest stories, events, and the best part of the job: our success stories.
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, […]
August 10, 2021
WHAT ABOUT AUGUST? I’m an almanac and astronomy guy and so I know we’re in “the dog days of summer” but… why are they called that? Well… since you asked, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac (Dog Days: What Are the Dog Days of Summer? […]
August 10, 2021
For the third time since 2019, one of HVAF’s veterans has had the opportunity to become a first-time homeowner. Thanks to Habitat for Humanity! A long time coming This time, the opportunity came for Marine Corps veteran Troy. We first met Troy in 2008 – […]
July 23, 2021
Every Friday morning, you can find HVAF Board Member David Certo at Marion County Superior Court 12 in Indianapolis. In 2015, Judge Certo established a Veterans Court in Indianapolis. According to the Indianapolis Government website: IVC provides a specialized court docket that focuses on veterans’ […]
July 21, 2021
A few months ago, HVAF received a $4.7 million grant from Lilly Endowment, Inc. for the Veteran Workforce Development Team. The grant is being used to launch a workforce development program dubbed VetWorks: Veterans Workforce Renewing Knowledge and Skills. It serves as a multi-phase, collaborative […]
July 19, 2021
Three lucky veterans walked away from HVAF’s food, clothing, and hygiene pantry with more than just their essential items last week. Army veteran Michael, Navy veteran Larry, and Army veteran Andrea won $100 Kroger gift cards – thanks to The Bob Woodruff Foundation and the […]
July 14, 2021
Below are sentiments from our President & CEO, Brian Copes: There is a saying among old Soldiers, “The Army never changes and… the Army is always changing.” It was a tongue-in-cheek bit of wisdom to remind (and comfort) us that change is inevitable, constant, often […]
July 13, 2021
Co-developers HVAF and Woda Cooper Companies, Inc. hosted a ceremonial Groundbreaking at Proctor Place to celebrate the construction start for the new 61-unit, high-quality affordable housing community supported with housing tax credits allocated by the Indiana Housing & Community Development Authority (IHCDA), with 15 units set […]
July 13, 2021
Navy veteran Darnell M. first came to HVAF in 2014, he needed help with housing. Since he had a great experience with our case managers, he knew he could come back if he needed help again. Recently, Darnell lost his job as an electrician. Instead […]
June 22, 2021
Navy veteran Michael used to wake up at 3 AM every day for work! “I’m up at 3 in order to catch the bus at 4:40,” Michael said. “I get to work at about 6:10.” Michael works as a cook for a senior care facility. […]
June 19, 2021
On Thursday, June 17, President Joe Biden signed into law the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act. HVAF’s office will be closed Monday, June 21, to celebrate this momentous day. Here are a few words from our President & CEO, Brian Copes: Happy Juneteenth! I echo […]
June 8, 2021
Below is a message from our Rapid Rehousing Coordinator, Lauren, on how she serves our veterans and how you can help her team: Who I am My name is Lauren Mardis and I am a proud HVAF employee and new coordinator for the Rapid Re-Housing […]
June 8, 2021
Below are sentiments from our President & CEO, Brian Copes, as we look ahead to the upcoming patriotic season: Some thoughts on Flag Day. I was raised to respect the flag and memorized the Pledge of Allegiance, but I don’t think I ever really appreciated […]
June 7, 2021
Tough reality of life after war After serving in the military for 10 years, Army veteran Andre felt ready for civilian life. Although people tried to help him with his transition out of the military, he thought he didn’t need any help. “You are stubborn […]
June 3, 2021
According to Veterans Affairs, 1.7 million Veterans received treatment in a VA mental health specialty program in 2018. And we know many of the veterans we serve here in Indianapolis battle mental health challenges every single day. At HVAF, we are making strides to address this, such […]