HVAF BLOG
Check out our latest stories, events, and the best part of the job: our success stories.
June 23, 2023
In January, Army veteran Larry moved into Veterans Villa for a fresh start. Before moving to HVAF’s Permanent Supportive Housing apartments, Larry had lived at a safe haven ministry, where he had the opportunity to become clean and sober. After leaving the ministry and needing […]
June 15, 2023
Originally published in June 2023. June is PTSD Awareness Month. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is well known today, and most are familiar with it. However, it wasn’t long ago this was not a well-known diagnosis. Veterans returning from other wars were often left to […]
June 14, 2023
HVAF is currently adjusting to a decrease in VA funding resulting in $60,000 less a month for transitional housing for homeless veterans. Budget cuts and adjustments have been made while hopes remain high that Congress will reverse the decrease in the coming weeks. HVAF CEO […]
June 13, 2023
Enrolling in VetWorks Last summer, Army National Guard veteran Michael noticed people in high-vis shirts sweeping the streets of Downtown Indianapolis. They told him they worked as Street Ambassadors for Downtown Indy, Inc. through HVAF’s VetWorks (Veterans Workforce Renewing Knowledge and Skills) program. As a […]
June 12, 2023
As a way to celebrate 30 years of serving homeless & at-risk veterans in Central Indiana, HVAF hosted its one-night-only Music at the Memorial concert. The event seemed to tug on the heartstrings – and guitar strings – of many as we raised more than […]
May 26, 2023
At first, drinking alcohol was just a fun, social thing for Army National Guard and Army veteran Steve. “When I got overseas, I went to Korea, I really started doing drugs heavy,” Steve said. “They had all kinds of drugs, you name it, they had […]
May 1, 2023
May is Mental Health Awareness month. I want to spend a little time sharing sobering statistics about the state of our mental health, focusing in particular on the veterans we serve. I also want to say there is hope and there is help, so if […]
May 1, 2023
Q: You have been with HVAF for more than 7 years. How have the years of helping veterans helped you to where now as the therapist for the veterans we serve? A: I think with the experience being at HVAF for so many years working […]
May 1, 2023
Did you know HVAF has a full-time therapist? HVAF strives to provide essential wrap-around services for Hoosier Heroes in need – including mental health services. Mental health assistance for veterans is vital. The Veterans Crisis Line, managed by the Department of Veterans Affairs, reported a […]
April 24, 2023
According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), food prices rose by 11% between August 2021 and August 2022 and are expected to increase another 8% this year! HVAF is seeing this increased need firsthand, with an increase in visits to the food pantry month over month. […]
April 11, 2023
Q: Tell us about your time in the military – What branch did you serve in? What did you do? Anything else? A: I served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. My primary MOS was 0111 (Administrative Clerk), but I also worked as an Operations […]
April 11, 2023
If you’ve been to the grocery store, you’ve likely experienced a little sticker shock at the cash register. According to the Government Accountability Office (GAO), food prices rose by 11% between August 2021 and August 2022 and are expected to increase another 8% this year. […]
April 11, 2023
As she was getting out of a tough situation at the beginning of this year, Navy veteran Anna was desperate to find a safe place for her and her 2-year-old son, Amir. Her uncle, who is also a veteran, told her to call HVAF. She […]
March 28, 2023
HVAF’s veterans community center – our central hub for all veterans seeking assistance – is officially renamed the Colonel Donald W. Moreau, Sr. Veterans Community Center. We celebrated the special dedication with a ceremony and ribbon cutting last night. Special speakers included Indianapolis Mayor Joe […]
March 28, 2023
Andrea Carlile is HVAF’s Community Engagement Coordinator – who also leads HVAF’s Veterans Engagement Committee. She always comes back with some touching stories, and she would like to share this one with you: “I just can’t stop smiling,” Army veteran Terry said, with tears in […]