Helping Veterans and Families
HVAF of Indiana houses, supports, and advocates for all veterans and their families to help them achieve the best possible quality of life.
About HVAF
Founded in 1993, HVAF of Indiana (Helping Veterans and Families) is the state’s largest nonprofit dedicated to serving veterans experiencing homelessness. Every day, our team works to ensure that the men and women who served our country have a safe place to call home and the support they need to rebuild their lives.
Through 13 properties across Indianapolis, HVAF provides 103 transitional housing units and 65 permanent supportive housing units, creating a pathway from crisis to stability. To prevent homelessness, HVAF also provides rent and utility bill assistance to 200–300 veterans and their families each month.
But housing is only the beginning. Every veteran we serve is paired with a dedicated case manager who walks alongside them to help them overcome barriers and toward a promising future. From employment and career development to mental health services, legal assistance, and access to essential resources like food, hygiene items, and clothing, HVAF provides comprehensive, wraparound support.
Each month, nearly 600 veterans and their families rely on HVAF for these life-changing services. Last year alone, HVAF supported 1,359 unique veterans, provided over 43,000 services, and helped 228 veterans facing homelessness successfully move into permanent housing of their own.
Funding Needs:
Since 2021, veteran homelessness in Indianapolis has decreased by an extraordinary 51%. This is a powerful reflection of what’s possible when a community comes together to ensure that no Hoosier Hero is left without a home. You’re invited to become part of this community dedicated to ending veteran homelessness.
Mental Health Team
Donate to support HVAF’s Mental Health Team that includes two full-time Licensed Mental Health Clinicians and three full-time peer mentors.
Fire Assistance Fund
Donate to support the rebuild efforts of Manchester Apartments after the catastrophic fire in October 2024. Funds will support the costs of building an new and expanded food, hygiene, and clothing pantry, and the addition of more housing units that before the fire.
Rapid Response Emergency & Stabilization Fund
Donations will pay for emergency hotel stays for veterans awaiting housing placement, utility bill assistance to prevent shutoffs that jeopardize housing, emergency rental assistance to prevent eviction and stabilize households, and moving costs.
Food, Hygiene, and Clothing Pantry
HVAF’s food, hygiene, and clothing pantry is a continuous area of need and funding received assists with purchases from Gleaners Food Bank and grocery stores to keep shelves stocked and veteran needs met.
Property & Fleet Support
Support property upkeep and renovations to keep HVAF housing safe and stable for veterans on their path to self-sufficiency. You can also support vehicle needs, ensuring staff have reliable transportation to help veterans reach appointments and move into housing.