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.

Thankful for TIP

Army veteran Davina came to HVAF earlier this year when she lost her job and found herself homeless.

After contacting HVAF, she got connected to a case manager, Sarah, in HVAF’s Transition in Place (TIP) housing program.

The TIP program is more than just finding a job. It’s about HVAF’s case managers helping veterans address their barriers and give them a place to live where they can eventually sign the lease on their own.

“The program is special – it’s the only TIP program in the state,” Sarah said. “Our goal is to put them in an apartment that they would be able to afford on their own once they are out, and then help them address the barriers that were preventing them from being independently housed. And when their time in the program is done, they take over the lease.”

Thanks to the TIP program, Sarah found an apartment for Davina to move into and paid for her rent and utility bills.

Davina is appreciative for the TIP program because of all of the support she received while working to achieve self-sufficiency. Sarah encouraged her and supported every decision.

“They didn’t criticize me when I messed up,” Davina said. “When I didn’t know what I was going through, they were there to listen,” Davina said.

Sarah’s support

In addition to housing assistance, Sarah helped Davina receive addiction treatment, budgeting assistance, and dental services through the VA. Sarah also supported Davina while dealing with family issues and encouraged her to get clean from drugs.

“I don’t desire drugs or anything like that,” Davina said. “Sarah always encouraged me to love myself.”

Sarah referred to Davina as the “TIP rockstar.”

“Davina’s great because she has such a positive attitude. She’s tenacious, she does not give up,” Sarah said. “She’s been a joy to work with.”

Next steps

Davina’s next plans are to receive treatment for PTSD and then find her own place to live independently once again.

“It changed my life. I don’t know where I would be if I didn’t get put in this program,” Davina said. “I’m not saying I’m perfect but I’m working on it, and I really want to now. And that’s because of Sarah. I tell everyone about her, she’s amazing.”

We can’t ensure veterans, like Davina, 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 .