indianapolis charities Archives

May 6, 2019

HVAF is helping Army vet set, accomplish goals

In 1985, right after high school graduation, Pamela Coleman decided to enlist in the U.S. Army. She wanted to follow in her father’s footsteps, and be able to grow as a person. Pamela served for six years as a military police officer. She said her […]

June 28, 2019

“It’s a rewarding experience” Why Autumn serves her fellow veterans

In 1980, Autumn Rush enlisted in the United States Army as a medic. “I grew up in a town where there weren’t a lot of jobs available, and I didn’t go to college right out of high school,” Autumn said. “So I decided to […]

July 31, 2019

Former homeless vet Whitney Hamilton came to HVAF in 2014 to find recovery. Today, he celebrates five years of sobriety AND a new home!

July 31, 2019

Homeless vet to homeowner!

Army veteran and former homeless vet Whitney Hamilton found July to be a monumental month. At age 63, he became a first-time homeowner! But this was not an easy journey for Whitney. When the addiction began “About 1985 … when the cocaine era was […]

August 2, 2019

Local Philly-style sandwich shop, Hoagies & Hops, is a longtime supporter of Indianapolis non profit HVAF and its homeless veterans.

August 2, 2019

HVAF receives lots of support from Hoagies & Hops

Because we are a non-profit, HVAF has many generous and loving supporters in the community who hold events to give back to the veterans. A delicious deal The most interesting (and delicious) fundraising event? A hoagie eating contest. This past summer, locals participated in […]

October 8, 2019

Everyone always has a blast at Operation Alpha. Be sure to get your tickets to Indianapolis' best Veterans Day event today.

October 8, 2019

Indianapolis Veterans Day event coming next month

| The best Indianapolis Veterans Day event is coming next month | HVAF’s Operation Alpha is back! Hotel Tango Artisan Distillery‘s Founder & CEO, disabled U.S. Marine Corps veteran Travis Barnes, wanted to create an Indianapolis Veterans Day event. Therefore, he created Operation Alpha […]

November 13, 2019

In 2011, Bob Nietan came to HVAF for drug recovery. He remains clean today!

November 13, 2019

Drug Recovery: HVAF helped vet lead clean life

When Robert Nietan wanted to find drug recovery, HVAF was there to help. In 1974, 17-year-old Robert Nieten enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. “It was a great experience,” Robert said. “But I had already started abusing drugs and alcohol.” After his time in […]

December 23, 2020

After experiencing homelessness for a few months in 2020 - Army veteran Bruce Knox became the first tenant at HVAF's Veterans Villa!

December 23, 2020

Meet Veteran Villa’s first tenant!

While Vietnam vet Bruce is spending the end of 2020 as a Veterans Villa tenant, the beginning of 2020 looked much different. Couchsurfing & CVS The Army veteran spent his first few months of the year homeless, as his landlord evicted him after missing […]

December 27, 2020

How HVAF’s Pantry helped Army vet & family

HVAF’s Pantry is full of clothes, hygiene items, and food for all veterans and their families. Caira’s Story This offering can be crucial to some veterans who face hard times. Caira is one of those veterans who found herself in a tough spot last […]

March 29, 2021

Vietnam Veterans Day: Watch Vietnam Vet receive special jacket

Today is National Vietnam Veteran Day! Vietnam Veterans Day commemorates the sacrifices of Vietnam veterans and their families and is part of a national effort to recognize the men and women who were denied a proper welcome upon returning home more than 40 years ago. […]