More than 150 people gathered for a celebration and formal dedication of the Manchester Apartments, HVAF’s newest housing property, on Thursday. The property adds to HVAF’s list of scattered site housing and apartments offered to veterans who have fallen on hard times and ended up homeless.
HVAF partnered with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, United Way of Central Indiana, The Home Depot, The National Bank of Indianapolis and Halstead Architects in the $3.2 million, nine-month renovation of the Manchester Apartments building. The fully occupied facility, which has been open since fall of 2011, houses 51 veterans, including four women.
The event kicked off with the presentation of colors, national anthem, and then a special presentation followed by a ribbon cutting ceremony. Guided tours were given to guests by HVAF staff members.
View the Indy Star news story at the link below.
http://www.indystar.com/article/20120420/LOCAL/204200348/Apartments-homeless-veterans-Indy-can-first-step-better-life?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|IndyStar.com
View the event slideshow below.
Monday
Leadership group renovates HVAF property
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| LeRoy D., HVAF veteran |
"I love my new home,” says LeRoy. “What these volunteers did is simply amazing. It has uplifted my spirits.”
In just 48 hours from March 30 to April 1, 2012, Zarvos Leading & Coaching and its Vision in Action (VIA) volunteer team renovated the Loyd House property, which is home to five formerly homeless veterans.
The volunteer team installed new flooring and carpeting, updated bathroom fixtures, connected new kitchen appliances and new light fixtures, moved in new furniture, and applied fresh pain to interior and exterior walls. Volunteers also provided the property with fresh landscaping as part of the remodel. It was the first renovation for Loyd House in 13 years.
"I noticed the HVAF van while out in the community," says Heather, a VIA volunteer. "The words helping homeless veterans stood out since we have a number of our team members who are veterans. I wanted to learn more, and after talking with the HVAF driver, I felt there would be a good service project that our group could take on."
"The volunteer project has allowed us to use our resources elsewhere in helping homeless veterans in Central Indiana," says Chief Operating Officer Ron Shelley. “It’s nice that this group was able to come in and do this extensive work. The home needed it.”
Jason, who has been living at the Loyd House for 9 months, has struggled to find a job. He was introduced to HVAF through the Veterans Affairs.
"This house looks great and I can't believe the volunteers did this all in 48 hours," says Jason. "HVAF has given us a second chance to get back on our feet and this home is just beautiful.”
Project donations totaled roughly $25,000, which doesn't include monetary gifts and gift cards donated to HVAF for the renovation.
The following companies made the Loyd House renovation possible: American Freight and Furniture, The Home Depot,Kroger, Lowe's, Marsh, Hoosier Overstock, Southport Discount Appliance, First Merchants Bank, Donaldson Company, Lee Supply, Inc., Shafer's Collision Repair, Furniture For Less, Chic-fil-a, Marco's Pizza, C. R. Hero's, VIA Block Party, Southside Pre-owned Office & Furniture, Books-A-Million, Target, Sears Hardware, Meijer, Wal-Mart, High Maintenance Nail Parlour, Vacuum Authority, Mary Sue & Dave Meiser, Discount Tire, Beauty Brands, Bed Bath & Beyond, Mayes Mattress.
You can read more about the HVAF Loyd House remodel at MSNBC.com.
In Indianapolis, local television news affiliates also reported on the story, including WXIN Fox 59 and WRTV 6, the ABC news station.
A video report that aired on WISH-TV 8 includes interviews with HVAF veterans who live in the Loyd House can be viewed below.
WTHR Channel 13 also posted video of the renovation work.
View the slideshow of photos from the day.
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