This year’s 12Vets Of Christmas begins on December 20! Each day for 12 days, you will get to meet each one of these veterans and find out how your support has changed their life for the better. We hope you’ll tune in right here on our blog (and social media – @hvafofindiana) and continue to support HVAF in 2024 and beyond!

Check out a sneak peek of the 2023 12 Vets of Christmas:

These are just 12 of the 1,200+ veterans provided life-changing services this year. Please send in your year-end tax-deductible donation to support Hoosier Heroes in 2024.

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 31^st?

12 Vets of Christmas Day 1: Navy Veteran Al

After discharging from the military, life seemed great for Navy veteran Al. A friend helped him get a job at a factory in his hometown Kokomo, and later he went on to run his own tiling business. It wasn’t until recently when Al fell on hard times and needed to ask for help.

Several years ago, Al first found out about HVAF when he met Outreach Coordinator and fellow Navy veteran Rodney.

While he didn’t end up needing HVAF’s help at the time, he kept us in mind for the future. In 2019, he became homeless, and HVAF housing navigator Kalisha helped house him get one of HVAF’s transitional houses: Warman.

Warman, which is located off Warman Avenue on the Near West Side of Indianapolis, provides homeless veterans who also need help overcoming addictions.

“I get addicted to anything I do, so I have to be careful with anything I do,” Al said.

After living at Warman for a year and a half, Al became employed and moved out to live on his own. Unfortunately, last fall, he lost his job and couldn’t afford to close on the house he was just about to purchase.

But thankfully, he remembered HVAF is always there to help him. He is back at Warman and is happy to have his same case manager, Jaulane, to help him prioritize and meet his goals.

“HVAF gives people a lot of opportunity to take care of some issues. Personal issues, financial issues, spiritual issues,” Al said. “It gives me room to grow and it’s a safe environment. So, it’s been great.”

While living at Warman and being involved in a 12-step program, Al is also working with HVAF’s employment team so he can get back to a career. His employment specialist, Lisa, is helping get his record expunged so he doesn’t have anything holding him back from gainful employment.

“It’s awesome that I know that I’ve got support,” Al said. “That’s a big relief.”

And we are excited to give you an update: Al now lives on his own in an apartment and works full time for one of our housing partners, Woda Cooper Companies!

12 Vets of Christmas Day 2: Army Veteran Berry

After losing his job due to the company making cuts, Army veteran Berry found himself homeless. Thankfully he found HVAF and was safely housed at Manchester Apartments – one of HVAF’s transitional housing units. After working to overcome barriers with his case manager, he now lives in his own apartment.

“I’ve been through some trials and tribulations in my life,” Berry said. “I just got to keep on plugging, no matter what happens.”
<h5>Berry &amp; VetWorks</h5>
This past year, HVAF’s VetWorks Team has helped him achieve one of his dreams: becoming a chef!

HVAF’s VetWorks is a multi-phase, collaborative workforce development program for veterans. The program equips and trains veterans in order to obtain and maintain good and promising jobs.

Last summer, he completed Phase I, and VetWorks Employment Specialist Cole said working with Berry during his internship at Downtown Indy was truly a joy.

“The energy that he brings to a team environment is infectious and it really brought an enthusiastic dynamic to the Street Ambassador crew,” Cole said. “Furthermore, Berry’s confidence level has grown remarkably since starting VetWorks.”

After completing Phase I, Berry moved onto Phase II where he enrolled in Second Helpings Culinary Job Training.

Now graduated from Second Helpings, Berry is ready for his new career as a prep cook with Aramark at Eli Lilly and Company. His Phase III Employment Specialist, Alberta, is helping him begin his new job.

Berry is so thankful for the VetWorks team, especially his Employment Specialists Alberta and Randy, for helping him achieve his dreams.

“I couldn’t do it without them – I needed some people to advocate for me and they advocated for me,” Berry said. “I praise Alberta and Randy – they’re the greatest in the world. Big props to them.”

Berry’s story is a true testament that it’s never too late!

“I don’t care what your age is. If you want something, go out and get it!”

12 Vets of Christmas Day 3: Navy Veteran Sherry

Serving in the Navy

In 1989, Sherry enlisted in the U.S. Navy. She spent four years repairing submarines in Scotland.

After receiving her honorable discharge, Sherry struggled transitioning to civilian life.

“It was a difficult transition,” Sherry said. “It’s still difficult even to this day.”

Moving to Indianapolis

In 2019, Sherry moved from Philadelphia to Indianapolis to live closer to family. After living with family for a few years, she wanted to live on her own but needed help. She reached out to HVAF and her case manager set her up in one of our temporary houses.

When living there for a few months, she loved being able to come to the pantry to receive her necessary food, hygiene, and clothing items. The VA was able to move her into her own apartment, but she still received employment assistance through HVAF’s VetWorks program.

VetWorks – Veterans Workforce Renewing Knowledge and Skills – is an intensive 3 phase work, learn and earn program designed to skill up our veterans to achieve their earning potential. Veterans complete on-the-job training, have access to education/certifications and receive assistance with obtaining a good and promising job.

Sherry completed her internship through HVAF’s I.T. Department – and received mentorship from I.T. Coordinator Dewayne.

“He was a great guy to work with,” Sherry said. “It meant a lot. Dewayne is a good resource.”

A new season

Because of her experience with Cisco phones during her I.T. internship, that stuck out in her resume when interviewing with Bell Techlogix. For the very first time in her life, she now runs of their departments!

“I’m super excited,” Sherry said. “It’s my season! God has truly been good to me so I’m just trying to embrace it.”

This is also her first time to receive any sort of assistance. She thanks HVAF and the VA for getting to where she is today.

“They have been awesome and it really means a lot to me,” Sherry said. “It’s been truly a blessing in my life.”

12 Vets of Christmas Day 4: Army Veteran Michael

After losing his job in 1977, Michael decided to enlist in the Army so he could keep his car. He worked as a dispatcher and mechanic until 1980.

With February being Black History Month, Michael could not recall any remembrance or celebration of the special month while in the military. He said he experienced more prejudice in the military than in the civilian world, which lead him to getting out.

Once honorably discharged, Michael came back to Indianapolis to work in a variety of jobs over the years – in industries including factory, hotel, cooking, warehouse, and landscaping.

Finding HVAF

Two years ago, Michael got out of a long-term relationship and needed a place to live. Having lived near HVAF’s Veterans Villa, he knew about it and decided to stop in and see if there was any availability. Thankfully for him, there was a unit ready for him!

“I love it. It’s quiet and nobody bothers me,” Michael said. “I have no problems here.”

Unfortunately, shortly after moving in, Michael was diagnosed with leukemia. Off and on since then, Michael has received treatment for his cancer from the VA. HVAF’s case manager, April, has been there to support him as well.

Michael said April has been a big help, as she’s assisted him with receiving early retirement, electric bill assistance, and HVAF’s SSVF services.

Being part of a family

April said when Michael first lived at Veterans Villa, he kept to himself and hardly came out of his room. But one evening, when Whitestone Ministries made their monthly visit to serve dinner, they spent time praying over Michael. Since then, he has attended each dinner and socialized more with everyone.

“His illness has given him that sense that he’s part of a family,” April said. “He’s happier, although he still needs that extra moral support because he’s still going through it.”

Michael’s main goal in life now is to defeat cancer and feel healthy again. Once he feels better, he hopes to give back to the community by volunteering. “We’re really glad he’s here. He’s quiet, he’s never caused a moment’s trouble,” April said. “He’s pleasant, and just a good guy. We’re glad to have him.”

12 Vets of Christmas Day 5: Army Veteran JJ

After three years in Germany serving in the Army, Jeremiah (JJ) moved back to the United States to be with his wife and family.

But he had a hard time once out of the military.

“It was very tough. I was definitely drinking,” JJ said. “Working in construction, I knew it wasn’t something I wanted to do. I used that as an excuse for my drinking.”

When JJ’s company shut down and he received unemployment, his drinking began to negatively affect his life.

Journey to Sobriety

For years, JJ went in and out of rehabs, becoming clean and then relapsing again. During a period of almost 10 years sober, he received his Associate’s Degree in Human Services and Bachelor’s Degree in Substance Abuse.

Then, when he had just enrolled to get his Master’s Degree in Counseling, he started drinking again and ended up going to jail for a few years due to some poor choices. In 2020, after he served his time in prison, he moved into one of HVAF’s houses.

“(While in prison) I got involved with HVAF because I needed help trying to figure some stuff out and get my life back on track,” JJ said.

After a short period of sobriety, he began drinking again and moved out of HVAF. In 2021, he went to Landmark Recovery and after 44 days of treatment, JJ has now been sober for two years!

HVAF & Next Steps

And while he thought his chances of receiving his Master’s was over, he was able to go back to school and get his degree. During that time, JJ reached back out to HVAF and joined the VetWorks Workforce Development program. He spent Phase 1 in an internship at Recovery Café, completed recovery coach training in Phase 2, and his employment specialist helped him with job searching in Phase 3.

12 Vets of Christmas Day 6: Army Veteran Davina

“I’ve been homeless about 7 times in 23 states.”

After serving in the Army and the Marines in the 1980s, Leroy found himself homeless. He also battled an addiction to drugs and alcohol.

“I used to smoke crack cocaine and I used to run from crack cocaine, and I didn’t realize that transitioning from one state to another that it would still be there, but it was,” Leroy said. “Even at the Greyhound bus station when I got off the bus, it was there.”

Four decades later

It wasn’t until almost four decades later, when Leroy ended up in Indiana, that he found sobriety. He came to Indiana in December 2020 for cancer treatment. Since then, he has lived in HVAF’s transitional housing for two years and has lived in HVAF’s permanent housing since the beginning of this year.

12 Vets of Christmas Day 7: Army & Marine Veteran Leroy

“I’ve been homeless about 7 times in 23 states.”

After serving in the Army and the Marines in the 1980s, Leroy found himself homeless. He also battled an addiction to drugs and alcohol.

“I used to smoke crack cocaine and I used to run from crack cocaine, and I didn’t realize that transitioning from one state to another that it would still be there, but it was,” Leroy said. “Even at the Greyhound bus station when I got off the bus, it was there.”

Four decades later

It wasn’t until almost four decades later, when Leroy ended up in Indiana, that he found sobriety. He came to Indiana in December 2020 for cancer treatment. Since then, he has lived in HVAF’s transitional housing for two years and has lived in HVAF’s permanent housing since the beginning of this year.

12 Vets of Christmas Day 8: Army National Guard Veteran Kyla

When Kyla graduated from high school, she wanted to become a nurse. After becoming waitlisted for her community college’s nursing program, she decided to enlist in the Army National Guard and wait to join the program later.

While in medic school during her military training, she received the devastating news that her father had passed. She said the loss sent her life to spiral out of control for almost a decade. Due to this, she did not go back and join the nursing program.

“I was overcome with guilt, sadness, anger, and resentment. I was only 19 and not close to being prepared to deal with that loss,” Kyla said. “My coping mechanism was to run away and do whatever I could to numb the pain and fill the void. That instability affected my entire tenure with the military and carried over into my civilian life after discharge.”

It wasn’t until 2021 when Kyla began her healing journey, which brought her to HVAF. While at another organization for help, she was referred to HVAF for housing services.

“I am so thankful for the program and the amazing people that make it all possible,” Kyla said. “HVAF has helped me get into stable housing, they have connected me with other services and resources that have provided me with additional opportunities to better myself and my life.”

12 Days of Christmas Day 9: Army Veteran Roscoe

After serving in the Army for almost a year and a half, Roscoe received his honorable discharge. Looking back, he regrets getting out so soon.

“I got out in December 1978. That first day, I went over to my sister’s and her boyfriend had cocaine. I wanted to try it, and I liked it,” Roscoe said. “In October 1979, I was in prison for writing checks to get cocaine. It was terrible.”

Roscoe spent decades in and out of prison and off and on drugs. There were some positive experiences during his time in prison, including receiving two associate degrees and his EMT certification.

Coming to HVAF

In 2017, Roscoe moved from Illinois to Indiana. The day after he moved here, he went to the VA Hospital for help. They referred him to HVAF and two days later, our case managers moved him into one of our transitional houses: Warman.

Over the years, HVAF has helped Roscoe with housing, pantry items, employment services, and most recently, therapy.

“They have helped me a lot. I’m not used to people helping me without me having to do something,” Roscoe said. “But these people just help me just because it’s what they do.”

12 Vets of Christmas Day 10: Navy Veteran Anna

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 went from living in her car to moving into a hotel that same day! While waiting to move into an apartment, her case manager, Brittany, provided them with food and other necessary resources.

Brittany felt emotional at times when helping Anna out. It took a few months to move Anna into a permanent place, and she worked hard to keep her moving forward.

“I honestly cried when I got the e-mail saying she was moving in,” Brittany said. “And then it was a lot of excitement getting her set in to make it her home.”

Anna and her son are the first veteran family to move into HVAF’s newest Permanent Supportive Housing Apartments: Proctor Place.

Together with Woda Cooper Companies, HVAF opened Proctor Place at the end of last year. Proctor Place is named in honor of Sergeant Joseph Eugene (Joey) Proctor, a member of the Indiana Army National Guard killed in action during combat operations in Iraq on May 3, 2006.

“When they brought me in here, I started jumping up and down!” Anna said. “It’s really nice and quiet. I love it.”

Now that Anna has moved into a safe, secure place with her son, she wants to focus on next steps. Her future goals include going back to school, renewing her CNA license, and finding a routine that works for her family.

“I am so proud of her because she stuck through it and she did what she needed to do to keep the process going,” Brittany said. “She has goals for herself that she can focus on, and I want to see her meet those goals.”

Living at Proctor Place, Anna still has access to a case manager who works on site at the apartment complex. And she knows she can access any of HVAF’s programs and services when needed. “I’m just happy,” Anna said. “I’m happy I came across HVAF.”

12 Vets of Christmas Day 11: Army Veteran Dee

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.”

12 Vets of Christmas Day 12: Army National Guard Veteran Michael

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 veteran himself already seeking HVAF’s services, he decided to enroll in VetWorks.

Michael graduated from Phase I of the program last fall, and still works at Downtown Indy while his employment specialist helps him find a career.

“He’s just such a joy to work with. He’s easily one of my hardest workers. Every time I go out and check on the guys, you never not see Michael working,” His employment specialist, Cole, said. “His work ethic is unmatched like any other veteran I’ve seen. He’s just incredible.”

Hurdles to overcome

One major hurdle Michael has had to overcome is his lack of hearing.

“I can hear things like a mile away but I’m not quite sure what I hear,” Michael said. “Or when people talk, there are certain words, I can hear them say the whole thing, but I might miss a word or two.”

Another hurdle is lack of health insurance. Due to serving in the National Guard and not being called up to serve, he does not qualify for Veterans Affairs benefits. Cole was determined to find another way for Michael to receive a hearing aid. So, he reached out to Lucy, HVAF’s Healthcare Navigator, and she let him know about Miracle-Ear.

When Michael went into the local Miracle-Ear center to receive a free hearing test, he learned about their Gift of Sound program – where he could apply to receive a hearing aid at zero cost. Michael applied and was approved! Now with his hearing aid, he said while sitting at the bus stop, he could hear the birds chirping – something he hasn’t been able to hear in a very long time.

Opening doors

“I was prepared to pay and be like ‘Well, that’s another bill to pay,’” Michael said. “Then I found out that they were free and that’s pretty good.”

Cole said he is so excited hearing is no longer a barrier for Michael as he continues to work towards a new career.

“This has quite literally opened many doors for him. Had he not come to us, I don’t think he would’ve gotten a hearing aid,” Cole said. “So that’s pretty rewarding and I’m really happy that we could do that for him.”

We can’t ensure veterans, like Michael, 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 .

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