Veteran Updates Archives

November 19, 2024

Alan’s Journey of Resilience and Hope

Meet Alan, a former Marine who transitioned to civilian life in 1996 and has overcome significant challenges in his life. After experiencing five years of homelessness, Alan found hope through the support of HVAF by joining our transitional housing and VetWorks programs. “I just needed […]

November 20, 2024

When the Flames Rise, Heroes Shine

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 […]

January 15, 2025

Serving Up Hope: How HVAF Helped James Rediscover His Passion for Cooking

When James first approached HVAF, he was looking for more than just assistance—he was searching for a second chance. A Navy veteran hailing from Chicago, James had faced his share of challenges after leaving the military. But thanks to his determination, a heartwarming passion for […]

February 10, 2025

A Reason to Smile: Transforming Lives, One Veteran at a Time

It’s often hard to quantify the visible and invisible struggles veterans face after their time in service. For Army veteran Gilbert —better known as Gibby—life after the military presented a series of challenges. Transitioning from a role as a tank commander in the U.S. Army […]

June 5, 2025

Building stability step-by-step | Dana’s Story

Challenges like financial hardships, housing instability, and mental health struggles affect countless veterans, and for Navy Veteran Dana, these were just some of the few she was facing. After serving her country, Dana faced a series of hardships that left her searching for purpose and […]

June 10, 2025

From the Battlefield to Brushstrokes

Jerry is a man defined by resilience, determination, and an indomitable spirit. A former Army and National Guard Veteran, and drill sergeant during Desert Storm, Jerry’s life has been a testament to overcoming adversity. He spent his early years in the military, where lessons of […]

July 8, 2025

Shifting Gears – A Drive to Hope

Army veteran Ben worked hard to support his family, “that is my job,” he said proudly. At just 18 years old, Ben made the decision to join the Army, driven by his immigrant family’s powerful legacy of service and a deep desire to give back […]