HVAF BLOG

Check out our latest stories, events, and the best part of the job: our success stories.

 
August 14, 2024

Army veteran in recovery is now a peer mentor thanks to HVAF’s Employment Team!

Growing up, Brandon knew he wanted to serve his country – just like his parents, grandparents, and brother did. Unfortunately, during basic training in the Army, he suffered an injury that led to discharge. The disappointment of not being able to serve in the Army […]
August 14, 2024

Message from the CEO: 2024 PIT Count Results show a 7% decrease in veteran homelessness in Indy

Our partners at the Coalition for Homeless Intervention and Prevention (CHIP) recently released the results of the 2024 Point in Time Count. The Point in Time Count is conducted every January as required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This count allows communities […]
August 5, 2024

Roger That Podcast Ep 21: Meet HVAF’s Community Center Specialist Katie

If you’ve ever visited HVAF, then I’m sure you’ve met Katie. She is the first face and smile you see when you visit, as she is our Community Center Specialist. Katie helps oversee our Community Center – including our food, clothing, and hygiene pantry – […]
July 15, 2024

Roger That Podcast Ep 20: A Look at HVAF’s Permanent Housing Programs

HVAF is a housing-first organization, that provides so many programs and services to help end veteran homelessness. But what are those programs? You’ll find out about some of those programs today on Roger That, as you’ll meet HVAF Permanent Housing Director Danny. Danny has been […]
July 10, 2024

Press Release: HVAF expands services to Terre Haute

HVAF expands services to Terre Haute FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   Terre Haute – HVAF – Helping Veterans And Families – is now offering employment services for veterans in West Central Indiana.   Currently, HVAF serves homeless and at-risk veterans, and their families, throughout Central Indiana. […]
July 10, 2024

Army National Guard Veteran Katie is breaking her addiction cycles

Army National Guard veteran Katie has battled substance addiction for the last 12 years. Her last relapse was last fall and lasted four months straight. While she did go to rehab, that led her to losing EVERYTHING: her marriage, kids, house, vehicle, and job. “I […]
June 28, 2024

HVAF objects to Supreme Court decision on Grants Pass v. Johnson

The following is a message from HVAF’s CEO Emmy Hildebrand: Today, the Supreme Court made it illegal to be homeless in the United States in the ruling on City of Grants Pass v. Johnson. We join our partners around the nation in expressing our disappointment […]
June 18, 2024

Engaging with Andrea: A day at the zoo with our veteran families!

The idea came from a grandma, who casually mentioned to me, “you know, my grandbabies have never been to the zoo…” This grandmother, an Air Force veteran, resides in one of our apartment properties with her daughter and her grandchildren. After hearing this and sharing […]
June 17, 2024

Roger That Ep 18: A Conversation with FHCCI Executive Director Amy Nelson

A few episodes ago, we shared about our legislative efforts to try to make it illegal for landlords to deny veterans using vouchers for their housing. On that episode, we spoke with Amy Nelson, Executive Director of Fair Housing Center of Central Indiana. Amy came […]
June 11, 2024

Navy Veteran Bianca’s 4-Year Journey from Homelessness to Homeowner!

We first introduced you to Navy veteran Bianca at the end of 2021 – you can find that story here. At the time, she was living in one of HVAF’s permanent supportive housing apartments at Veterans Villa after becoming homeless during the COVID-19 pandemic. She […]
June 10, 2024

Message from the CEO: Celebrating Navy Veteran Bianca’s Successes!

For the last few years, I’ve had the pleasure of kicking off my holiday season at American Legion Post 34 in Broad Ripple. This post, home of one of HVAF’s founders, Louise Loyd, hosts an annual holiday meal on the first Saturday of November for […]
June 10, 2024

Meet Team HVAF: Permanent Housing Director Danny

We have been so thankful to have Danny’s leadership, expertise, and compassion as part of #TeamHVAF since 2018! He started out as a case manager, and now leads our permanent housing department. Get to know Danny better: Q: How long have you been on #TeamHVAF? […]
June 3, 2024

Roger That Ep 17: Meet Indiana Representative Renee Pack

A few episodes ago, we shared about our legislative efforts to try to make it illegal for landlords to deny veterans using vouchers for their housing. On that episode, you heard from State Representative Renee Pack. Here is more of her story on serving in […]
May 21, 2024

Roger That Ep 16: Military Spouse Appreciation Month

May is Military Spouse Appreciation Month. According to The United States Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce, there are 12.2 million military spouses, including the spouse of a veteran or currently serving member of the U.S. Armed Forces. And 3 of the 12 million + spouses […]