In the Manchester Apartments community, life changed in an instant on the night of Oct. 26. A devastating fire swept through the building, leaving 48 veteran residents to grapple with the aftermath. Among them was Crystal, a Navy veteran whose resilience and bravery have inspired us all.

Crystal’s story began long before Manchester Apartments. After joining the Navy in September 2004, Crystal served her country for several years, including time in Iraq and various other postings around the world. Her service was marked by dedication and a sense of duty that followed her into civilian life.

Crystal and her husband

Life at Manchester Apartments was stable for Crystal until that fateful night. The fire not only destroyed her home but also disrupted the physical and emotional stability she had worked so hard to achieve. Her heart sank as she realized everything she owned might be lost, and she was suddenly thrust into uncertainty. “We lost everything,” Crystal said.

But amidst the chaos of that night, there was one thing on Crystal’s mind—her dog, Fiona.

That night, as the fire raged, Crystal was out with her husband watching a movie, unaware of the unfolding disaster. It wasn’t until a desperate call came from a friend, alerting her to the fire, that the gravity of the situation hit home.

The scene upon Crystal’s arrival was one of chaos, with firefighters battling the flames and residents in shock. Through it all, her thoughts were fixated on Fiona. “She’s not just my dog, that’s my daughter!” Crystal said.

Thanks to the quick thinking and courage of her friend, who rushed into the apartment to rescue her beloved dog, Crystal was reunited with Fiona. At that moment, despite the destruction around her, Crystal found solace in knowing her family was safe, while Fiona, blissfully unaware of the danger, wagged her tail and greeted friends, offering a moment of comfort and normalcy in an otherwise devastating situation.

Fiona

“Even though I’m looking at everything go up in flames. In that moment I can relax, because I got her,” Crystal said on her reunion with Fiona.

In the wake of the fire, immediate relief was crucial, and thanks to the generosity of donors and the dedicated HVAF staff, we have been able to provide essential resources such as temporary housing, financial assistance, and emotional support to Crystal and the other veterans.

In this trying time, YOUR IMPACT cannot be overstated. It was thanks to YOU we were able to act swiftly, ensuring stability and resources were available for veterans like Crystal during their time of need.

Today, Crystal is focused on securing a stable home for her family and continues to pursue her goals with the same tenacity that fueled her military service. The road to recovery is ongoing, but with Fiona by her side and the support of HVAF and our donors, Crystal is optimistic about the future!

Your contributions have made a tangible difference, but there is still work to be done. Your continued support can ensure that HVAF remains ready to assist veterans in crisis, offering them hope and a path forward. Together, we can offer stability and hope to veterans facing adversity.

To get up-to-date information on the recovery of our displaced veterans like Crystal – click here!