This blog post is part of HVAF’s annual tradition: 12 Vets of Christmas, where each day for 12 days, we feature a veteran whose life has been positively changed because of the essential services and programs your support made possible in 2023. Thank you for supporting HVAF and our veterans.

After serving as a Warehouse Supply Quartermaster in the U.S. Army for four years, Dee said the transition to civilian life was very difficult.

“I don’t know how to describe it to be honest. Drugs came into play a lot,” Dee said. “We weren’t given an entry back into society back then, so we didn’t have much support. It’s been a long road since.”

Last year, when Dee moved to Indiana, she couldn’t find a place to live. Thankfully, she found HVAF, where she lived in our transitional housing before moving into our permanent supportive housing apartments: Veterans Villa.

“I wouldn’t have a place if it wasn’t for them,” Dee said.

Dee is really involved at Veterans Villa, as she attends events and helps clean the units for new tenants. Her case manager, April, said Dee is a lifesaver when it comes to cleaning the units.

“She’s personable, she’s a team player, she really tries and she’s come so far. She’s got some distance to go. But she’s working hard on it, and doing everything she’s supposed to,” April said. “She’s making headway and I can tell she’s in a different place this time, she really wants it this time. She really wants to recover and to stay recovered and to have a good life.”

Dee has also started working at the VA through the Compensated Work Therapy program. She works in the uniform shop and has enjoyed staying busy in this way while she continues to work on recovery.

“You guys are great. I’ve been with you guys for a year and look where I’m at,” Dee said. “I’m doing pretty well and I can’t be more grateful.”

We can’t ensure veterans, like Dee, receive life-changing services to reach self-sufficiency without your support. Will you continue to support veterans in need and invest in the fight to end veteran homelessness by sending in your most generous gift by December 31st? Please send in your year-end tax-deductible donation to support Hoosier Heroes in 2024 .