HVAF BLOG

Check out our latest stories, events, and the best part of the job: our success stories.

 
October 30, 2016

New picnic tables installed at housing property

Employees at Rolls Royce of Indianapolis installed picnic tables for homeless veterans at HVAF. With its outdoor bench seating, veterans at HVAF’s Warman property have a comfortable place to convene when outside. “Giving back and assisting was just a Christian thing to do,” says Kevin […]
October 30, 2016

New employment opportunity provides hope

Veteran Michael S. had no idea what life would look like after transitioning out of a career in the military. He knew he had a place in the civilian world, but after serving in a variety of roles in the Army, it wasn’t immediately clear […]
October 30, 2016

Students volunteer at HVAF

Students from IUPUI and Ivy Tech joined forces to paint the women’s clothing pantry at HVAF. The fresh coat of paint brightens up the room which is used to store, sort, and distribute clothing. Ten percent of the veterans HVAF serves are women. On any […]
September 22, 2016

HVAF provides bikes to homeless veterans

Reggie Jefferson, 58, a homeless U.S. Army veteran, was once a professional singer. He relocated to South Beach, Florida in 1994 after his wife passed away. Reggie says he ended up homeless, sleeping on the beach, listening to ocean waves crash before him. His life […]
September 22, 2016

Veteran learns to combat alcoholism

Timothy had the courage to fight back against veteran alcoholism — a personal fight for him. After hitting rock bottom, he rose up and now wants to give back to other veterans. The U.S. Navy veteran says his propensity for alcohol was heightened in the […]
September 22, 2016

Donor spotlight

Michael H. Rodriques of Simon Construction Group hosted his 50th birthday party in June which in lieu of gifts was a fundraiser for HVAF. He raised close to $1,000. “Veterans issues have been a huge concern for me for a long time,” says Michael. “I […]
August 29, 2016

Once homeless, veteran now serves others

James at HVAF James Miller has had many titles over the years; husband, U.S. Air Force veteran, volunteer, but there was one title he never thought he would have − homeless. A native of Indianapolis, James moved back home and after enlisting in the U.S. […]
August 26, 2016

Homeless veteran at HVAF receives new bed at age 56

In 2014, Terri, 56, walked into HVAF in need of housing. She carried very little; only her DD214 card proving she was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. The card is all she needed. HVAF provided her with a furnished apartment, food, hygiene items […]
August 26, 2016

Homeless veteran who once lived on $133 a month finds his way again

Donell Marzett, 59, served in the U.S. Army during significant international conflicts. Now, he’s helping other veterans face and win some of the toughest battles of their lives. He doesn’t talk about his time in service, but he is a proud soldier who followed in […]
July 25, 2016

Once-homeless vet fights back from homelessness

Tyler Brinkley, 61, was a soldier who cooked three meals a day for 8,000 soldiers deployed in Guam. “The first meal of the day is very important,” says Tyler. “Eating in the dining room hall helped our soldiers feel connected.” Tyler at HVAF For many […]
July 25, 2016

HVAF veterans tell their stories through writing

Fred Young, HVAF Recovery Coordinator reading his letter to the group Veterans at HVAF are finding their voice with the help of a local writing organization. A dozen veterans submitted written stories to “Writing Home,” a 2016 Spirit and Place Festival program sponsored by the Indiana […]
July 25, 2016

Realtor gives back by serving homeless men and women

Marilyn Parrish at HVAF On one of the coldest days in March, Marilyn Parrish left the comforts of her home on the north side of Indianapolis and headed downtown to meet the homeless men and women at HVAF. Her parents were both U.S. Air Force […]