I was introduced to HVAF in 2019. Had absolutely nothing but my 3 children..I'm now sober and percent happier then I've ever ever been. It's completely a blessing to be a part of HVAF..I can't say enough thank yous.
I want to thank HVAF for providing me with emergency clothing, food and shelter when when my automobile was stolen back in February of this year. I had been sleeping in my car for 3 days and nights so I stored my cash in the glove compartment and clothing in the trunk. I had went into a gas station to use the restroom and carelessly forgot to lock the car and left my keyfob in the car. In a matter of couple minutes my car was gone. I took the bus to HVAF that Tuesday afternoon hoping for assistance. They provided clothing, food and temporary shelter for the next 2 nights. I was able to move back in with my Fiance after my short stay. But without assistance from HVAF, I would have been homeless, cold , hungry and sleeping in the streets. It is my sincere gratitude to the HVAF organization and a special group of volunteers led by a former Company Commander (1986-89) of one of my Aviation Units of the Army National Guard in Shelbyville, Indiana and good friend, Brian Copes. I served 11 years military service with Brian and 21 years total for my miltary retirement. The HVAF organization offers Hoosier Veterans and Family a number of services and goods. The HVAF organization is definately rated as a 5 star operation in my eyes.
Richard Peavler
Review from Guidestar
I became a client on May 7,2008. I was severely depressed and coming off of an alcohol induced psychotic episode. An HVAF outreach worker met with me as I was being discharged from the VA hospital. I spent 13 months in their intensive rehabilitation program and another 2 years in HVAF supportive housing. During that time I enrolled in computer training courses and then into college, eventually becoming employed for the VA. The end of my time with HVAF came in October of 2011 shortly after I became employed with VAMC. Although my parting with HVAF was not what I had hoped for I still give them 4 stars today. An unknown had made false allegations against me and mistakes were made. I cannot hold them accountable for the ill will of someone I do not know. Mistakes happen in organizations this large who work to help so many. I only know that because of them, I am alive, sober, and loved by my family again. Most case workers of that period are gone now and Dr. Haenlein is still a champion to me and so many other vets. He and HVAF will always have my respect.
It is true that this is an organization built to help our veterans but the truth is, they could do a better job. I have witnessed firsthand the things they do and the clients they serve and it hurts my heart. To throw someone back onto the streets with nowhere to go and no help is not helping them get better. To put them out the minute they make a mistake is not helping them. These are people who have served and fought for our country and then they come home with all kinds of problems and can't even get a decent meal. Some need rehab.. But I have never seen a case manager or anyone make sure they get meds or get to the doctor. I witnessed a man get put out because he was off his meds and started doing irrational things. He had nowhere to go but that was of no concern to them. HELPING veterans and families my ass...its all about the money. Non for profit because the profit they get goes right back to them and not the people they are suppose to be helping. My father fought in vietnam..luckily for him he doesn't need this sad excuse of an organization to help.its good to know if he did that they would be here not to help.
This is a great non-profit organiztion that helps out veterans who have special needs but they also give out food and clothes and other supplies to other veterans.
More than 900 veterans are homeless on any given night in Indianapolis, Ind. HVAF of Indiana, Inc. is there to help by assisting veterans daily in providing housing and essential services while promoting self-sufficiency. In the process, clients leave HVAF stronger, more confident, ready and able to achieve individual goals. HVAF serves the community and makes a difference in the life of those who defended our country.
HVAF helps homeless and near-homeles veterans. They house over 200 vets and offer long term care around substance abuse and other issues leading to homelessness. They are highly effective in this field.
I am a former homeless veteran and HVAF helped me. They took me from living on the streets to living in one of their veteran's homes. Then, I became a manger of one of their houses. During the approximately two years I lived in one of their homes, I attended law school and now I am an attorney. Also, I am a board member of HVAF of Indiana, Inc.
I am US Navy veteran and have witnessed firsthand many sailors who have struggled with their return to civilian life. Some have taken to drugs and alcohol as methods of dealing with such an abrupt change in lifestyle; as a result of these new behaviors, many have found themselves forced to leave their loved ones and turn to life on the streets. HVAF and its staff help these homeless veterans (some of whom may actually qualify for VA benefits) to begin the process of taking control of their lives (emotionally, physically, spiritually, financially). HVAF staff understand that it is a process, with some setbacks along the way. However, the clients (veterans) understand that this chance might be their last and most want to take full advantage of the opportunities that HVAF provides.
Volunteering at HVAF is one of the great joys of my life. As a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom, I saw firsthand how war can negatively impact veterans, sometimes leading to a lifetime of struggles with drugs and alcohol. To be able to provide a hand up to those veterans that are suffering from invisible wounds is an honor. No person that ever fought for our nation should be left to sleep on the street. HVAF does everything possible to keep that tragic possibility from becoming a reality.
HVAF took me from deralection and degradation, a herion additc,homeless,spiritually, emotionally, and physically bankrupt, put me in housing, reintagraded me into society as a caring and responsible person, I owe this organization, my life, with out them I very likely would not be here today...
When I was going through my schooling to get my bachelors in social work I was lucky enough to intern with HAVF. Being a veteran myself I was excited about the prospect of getting a chance to work with a population that was very dear to my heart. I could not believe all the services they provide. They do so much for those who have served. Indiana is lucky to have a program like this one. I hope one day they are able to branch out into other states.
HVAF is a great organization dedicated to eliminating homelessness among the veteran population. Due to the economic downturn, services offered today are more important than ever before. It's unthinkable that those who have bravely served our country may find themselves without a safe place to lie their heads. Please consider making a donation of your time, talents, or personal care items so we can show our appreciation for America's heros who should not be forgotten.
HVAF is a terrific orgainization whose members strive on a daily basis to provide the quality of care that our nations veterans deserve. HVAF provides housing, case management, fund assistance and many other small gestures which lend a helping hand to our veterans who are homeless. I've personally worked side by side with some of HVAF's members and I am truly inspired by the dedication they display on a daily basis to help those in need. Also their helping hand does not end with helping veterans only. HVAF has other team members that venture into homeless communities and camps to distribute food, resources, and a handshake so those who are struggling know there is help available. That's what I call going the extra mile!
HVAF is a wonderful organization with a mission to eliminate homelessness for our veterans. This is important since veterans make up a staggering one-third of the entire homeless population, a fact that many are not aware of. With our troops returning home, the need for an organization like HVAF is even more imperative. I am fortunate and grateful to be part of an agency that really makes difference in the lives of our veterans. No veteran should be homeless and I feel honored to have the opportunity to work with them.
Every day, we help homeless vets struggling with the demons of addictions, mental and physical health issues, and hopelessness and despair. We give them a place to live for a bit, and link them with the services they need to become healthy and whole. They have to work hard in our programs, and when they do, are rewarded with a renewed sense of joy in living. Everything we do at HVAF centers around the mission of ending homelessness for veterans. The staff lives and breathes it, and our vets quickly realize how much we care. It is a privilege to be a part of this organization.
I am a Peer Counselor and Certified Recovery Specialist of the State of Indiana. My job consist of helping veterans put their lives back together while in our housing program by educating and helping them hone their coping, social and various other skills needed to function in society. Skills that were forgotten or put on the back burner due to homelessness, mental health,( addiction issuues ranging from drugs and alcohol to sex and food, yes food all these things can cause health problems. Being a former homeless veteran who dealt with all these issues and made my way back with help from organizations like HVAF I see first hand the accomplishment we as a team make on a daily basis, and I am very proud to be a part of this team for the past six years. I shared a one and a half year journey with a veteran who came into our program on disability, with a bad herion addiction, is bipolar, homeless and attempted to take his life with a gun, today he is working and off disability, has had his own apartment for over a year almost 2 years clean and sober, taking his medication like he should and is leading a productive life.
I am glad I am employed at a place that helps veterans. I come from a family of veterans and it feels good to give back to the veteran population. I had no clue how many homeless veterans were out there and working for HVAF has been a wake up call for me! I will continue to help those in need and provide a positive environment for veterans who feel that no one cares for them because I definitely do! Thanks for allowing me to share my thoughts.
As a leader in the United States Army, we were always talking about soldier care. I was commissioned in 1989, went to war in 1990-1991 and continued to lead soldiers until 2000. Just because I am no longer wearing the uniform, does not mean that I can disregard my duty to take care of soldiers. I believe that duty lives on throughout my life.
It is honor serve on the board of HVAF of Indiana and continue to take care soldiers in their greatest needs.
Duty, Honor, Country
Together we serve!
I know that my contributions, time, and support invested in HVAF is making the difference in the lives of homeless and near-homeless veterans.
This organization (HVAF) provides food, clothing, shelter, education, training and employment to homeless and near homeless veterans. They house over 200 people each day and serve over 2,000 walk-ins every year. They have a special program for chronically mentally ill veterans and an in-house residential substance abuse program. Without a doubt the best non-governmental program for homeless veterans.
Hvaf is one of the best places for vets in theireyes vets come firdt no matter what iam a client at one of there locations I am a alcoholic
with there help I have been sober going on six mth I was down and out no place to go and they open their doors and heart to me they gave me a new look on life I want to live now thank you HVAF you saved my life
HVAF of Indiana, Inc. is an organization that serves US Veterans and their families. They house 200 homeless veterans and assist them in becoming financial stable while increasing their mental and physical wellness and finding permanent housing. They also have services for those living in the community, including assistance with food, hygiene supplies, clothing, furniture, and homelessness prevention. In addition, they have an excellent residential addictions treatment program. The staff go above and beyond to help. If you are looking to donate to or volunteer at an organization who truly cares about US Veterans, please consider HVAF.
After my wife died in 2004, I spent a year hiding in the bottom of a Jack Daniels bottle. When I reached the bottom of the pit that I had dug, I finally asked for help. A friend took me to HVAF and the healing began, in spite of myself. They saved my life...there is no better way to describe the experience. There are tears welling up as I'm typing this, as I know I would be dead if it were not for them. Semper Fi.