Homeless veteran gets help with housing

Earl at HVAF

“The first time I realized I wanted to protect and serve my country was in High School. I was in ROTC, but my grades were suffering. The Army was my ticket out. Also my uncle, Cecil, served in WWII and drove the M4 Sherman tank and that was another piece of inspiration. I admired Cecil.” 

Earl served in the U.S. Army when militant students supporting Iran’s Islamic Revolution stormed the U.S Embassy in Tehran and took scores of hostages.

Earl was injured during service and 70 percent of his body was burned. He suffered from PTSD as a result. He is still seeing psychologists today and takes medication daily.

Earl became homeless as a result of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) after his service. Homelessness struck when he fell on hard times. Earl turned to drugs and alcohol to cope. His tendencies, he says, caused a strain on his family and other relationships, and he was left with a pile of child support bills that grew larger and larger, and so did the medical bills. Earl has been in and out of jail 12 times because of his inability to pay child support. He also struggled to find employment.

He turned to HVAF for help. He completed the organization’s recovery program on March 7, 2017 and currently resides in our transitional housing.

Earl is an inspiration in what a veteran can accomplish against all odds.

Army veteran lands job

Ronda in housing

Ronda F. made a near 19-year career out of serving her country. Almost eight years of that time was active duty.  Ronda married and had 4 children ages 2-8. She says she endured mental and emotional abuse from her then husband. She knew she had to escape. Ronda had an associate’s degree but wanted to get her bachelor’s degree. Higher education is one of the many bonuses and perks of serving her country, so she did just that.

She worked in many areas of the US Army, but one of the most rewarding work she experienced was her role as Awards Clerk for NATO. She learned a lot about herself. She was able to spend time with the Joint Force Headquarters in Pristina, Kosovo and met with them once every two weeks. Being able to meet high-ranking people like colonels and majors was an honor and privilege. She never would have dreamed she would be doing such important work and accomplish so much in 7 months. The networking opportunities were “enlightening.”

However, Ronda says she wasn’t making a lot of money and her home life was suffering. She left her husband for fear of the relationship becoming volatile. Ronda had heard of HVAF. “In many ways, HVAF provided me a sense of security—not knowing where you’re going to live is frightening. Other helpful programs, financial planning for instance, is helping me get my own finances in order.” Dorian LaMotte, Ronda’s case manager, is in contact with Ronda every day. Alberta Platt, Ronda’s employment specialist, found Ronda a job in one day. Alberta had contacts with Bluegreen Resort and there was an interview and job hire the same day. “I’m very appreciative of that,” said Ronda.

HVAF has been helping Ronda with rent on her new beloved home. 

Veteran lands job after receiving employment assistance

Jeff with Kiara Walker at HVAF

“I thought it would be a good decision to serve. I was living in Michigan and they were closing all the factories, and I couldn’t afford college,” said Jeffery F. The military was a good experience for Jeffery. He traveled to Germany for two years and worked as a combat engineer.

Jeffery received an Army Honorable Discharge on August 10, 1988 and rode cross country on his motorcycle from Michigan to Oregon where he started working. Later, he returned to Michigan to study mechanical engineering at the University of Michigan.

Last summer, Jeffery’s apartment complex was under new management, and they evicted elderly and disabled people… he was one of those people. He was homeless for three months. Jeffery slept outside a few nights at Pleasant Run Golf Course, while other nights he stayed in a hotel.

He heard about HVAF through his VA case manager. At HVAF, Jeffery met Employment Specialist, Kiara Walker. Kiara and Jeffery had been looking for meaningful employment for roughly five months before he gained a stable job at Scotty’s Brewhouse. “He would meet with me every Wednesday at 2:00 pm like clockwork. He never once missed an appointment. Our luck finally changed one week when he was offered not one but two positions that are both in his field of culinary. He was a cook in the military- sergeant in the Army –Food service Specialist,” adds Kiara. 

Donor spotlight

Michael H. Rodriques of Simon Construction Group hosted his 50^th 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 often reflect on the sacrifice veterans have made (and continue to make) for us to secure the lifestyle, freedom and culture we enjoy in this country and we don't do enough to support them after they return from often horrific experiences.”

Michael then decided to volunteer at HVAF in the food pantry, sorting and stocking donations.

His help didn’t stop there.

To help promote and raise awareness for the 12^th annual Veteran Stand Down hosted by HVAF his company sponsored billboard advertisements at a value of $1,500.

Additionally, Michael is working with HVAF employment specialists to place qualified veterans in positions available throughout the SIMON portfolio.

“There is no reason with the resources available to us that any veteran should be left behind,” adds Michael. “We, as a collective community, need to do a better job of supporting them.”

Michael says his goal is to continue to help HVAF in any way he can.

Three veterans complete HVAF's recovery program

 

The room was filled with applause and even some tears, but they were tears of joy as three veterans recalled their past. On Friday, October 31, Joe N., Jesse W. and Matt T. received a certificate of completion from HVAF's Residential Employment Substance Abuse Treatment (REST) program.

Joe, Jesse and Matt (from left to right)

They were supported by family, friends, and HVAF staff. All three veterans were praised for completing the program, a recovery-dynamics based supportive housing program for homeless veterans whose primary goal is to maintain sobriety while obtaining employment and permanent housing.

Veterans receive individual and group counseling, psycho-educational classes and intensive case management.

These veterans also gave back through volunteer efforts at HVAF. Whether it was sorting donations or serving up a warm meal each had contributed roughly 30 service hours.

"It works if you want it," says Joe. "I came here desperate and I asked for help and got it. I couldn't do it by myself and now it's about how I can help others."

Jesse, 52, an Air Force veteran says the loss of a loved one led to his homelessness and he entered HVAF housing in June 2013. He now works at Methodist Hospital and plans to go back to school at Ivy Tech. Veterans at HVAF are referred to the IU School of Dentistry to provide dentistry to those who need it most. In the New Year, Jesse will receive dentures. HVAF has also helped Jesse qualify for free eye glasses.

He credits his success through running with Back on My Feet (BOMF), a national program which helps promote self-sufficiency through running. Joe and Matt also participate in Back on My Feet.

"HVAF got me through to the path I needed to succeed in life," says Jessie.

Matt was 23 years old when he entered the U.S. Army for the opportunity it provided him to attend college. After leaving the military, Matt worked as Deputy Assessor at the Washington Township Assessor’s Office in Indianapolis. It was after accepting a job transfer to Evansville, Indiana, which took him far from family and friends, that depression began to consume him.

“I felt like a lonely man on an island,” Matt says. 

Alcohol addiction led to job loss which led to Matt's homelessness. Today, he gives thanks to the HVAF program and staff.

"HVAF REST Coordinator Fred Young has also been an example of what cleaning living can produce," says Matt. "With God's help I have more hope, more blessings and more confidence."





Fred Young of HVAF, Joe (REST graduate) and Curtis Williamson of HVAF

Fred Young of HVAF, Matt (REST graduate) and Curtis Williamson of HVAF

Fred Young of HVAF, Jesse (REST graduate) and Curtis Williamson of HVAF

Register for the Freedom Ride to benefit homeless veterans

Support HVAF and its homeless veterans by participating in the Freedom Ride on Saturday, August 23. The police-escorted ride begins at the American Legion Post 64. Riders will travel south to Kentucky Avenue and head north near the Indianapolis International Airport and continue north. Riders will pass the Indy 500 track and move through Eagle Creek Park before heading back to Post 64. Once the riders return to the post a catered lunch will be enjoyed with vendors and entertainment.

Register here

HVAF Board Member raises awareness of HVAF

HVAF Board Member Louise Loyd (left) with
Randen Miller of HVAF and Rita Sullivan (right)

A surprise visit made by HVAF Board Member Louise Loyd and her friend, Rita Sullivan, who had been collecting donations, couldn’t have come at a better time. The women delivered a truck filled with hygiene items just as our warehouse was running low on things like soap and tooth brushes.

Rita worked with Belterra Casino and Resort in Florence, Indiana to secure the 2-thousand dollars in hygiene items.

“All of these items will be put to good use by families in our community,” said Debra Des Vignes, VP of Marketing for HVAF. “We are grateful to all of the people at Belterra Casino and Resort for their time, effort and donations.”

Three weeks after the hygiene items delivery, Louise presented HVAF with a check for $1,000 from Bethel United Methodist Church at HVAF’s Annual Meeting. The church held its 3rd annual community service program recently and Louise’s friends, John and Dee Decaris, selected HVAF as the program recipient again this year.

Fundraiser to benefit homeless veterans

Judy Holmes, with Carmel American Legion Post 155, never misses an opportunity to support HVAF.

At the beginning of each year Judy along with her team calls us and coordinates a Summer Car Wash fundraiser to benefit HVAF’s recovery program. Along with this 4th annual car wash fundraiser held on June 28, she also held a cook-out for the veterans that same day.

“Our Auxiliary and Post feel it is the least we can do to help the men and women who have given so much from their lives to protect our country and freedom,” says Judy. “I couldn't do it without the team at the Auxiliary...and it makes our hearts fill with pride and joy to be able to help in our small way.”

2013 Car Wash Fundraiser to benefit HVAF

The group has previously collected donations ranging from personal items, food, cleaning supplies and clothing as well as raised much-needed funds for housing improvements.

Last year, the Post purchased air purifiers and fire extinguishers for HVAF properties and bus passes for our veterans. All of these donated items allow HVAF to use its existing resources in other crucial areas.

Judy’s Auxiliary was formed out of a committee four years ago with the sole purpose of helping HVAF. Judy works alongside 7 women who are equally passionate.

Judy’s husband is a Vietnam veteran and her father served in WWII. Her thought on volunteering with veterans is that the act should never be done for praise, recognition or any type of reward.

“The reward of gratitude, appreciation and love that you get when volunteering or giving back is enormous,” says Judy. “I can say that I and my fellow committee members have been teary-eyed on a number of occasions when we’ve connected with the veterans at HVAF. These veterans always have a smile for us.”

Car Wash information:
852 W. Main Street, Carmel 46032 
Saturday, June 28 from 10-2 p.m. 

Homeless veteran in Indianapolis fights cancer

For Jeff, and hundreds like him, a roof over his head is the first step toward a better life.

The Bay City, MI native joined the Army in 1983 and served for 5 years. He later drifted through a slew of managerial jobs in Indianapolis and Michigan before things began to unravel.

 

Jeff at HVAF of Indiana

At a 2012 doctor’s appointment, medical staff told Jeff he had follicular lymphoma cancer. Mounting medical costs led to homelessness, and Jeff, living day to day, struggled to maintain a home and transportation to and from medical appointments.

"I'm just trying to get some stability," he says.

Jeff receives housing through HVAF, calling Manchester Apartments home. He also receives individual support from case manager Jennifer Smith, who has utilized the wide-range of assistance offered by HVAF to provide Jeff with food, clothing and hygiene items.

“My case manager has helped me tremendously,” says Jeff. “I’m very upfront and honest with her, and I have laughed with her and cried with her.”

When Jeff moves into his own apartment in July, HVAF will provide assistance by covering his administrative move-in fee. He’s also receiving legal support through HVAF's partnership with the Neighborhood Christian Legal Clinic to help him sort through legal issues such as child support and speeding tickets. He has already set up monthly payments in order to get his license back. In turn, HVAF's Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program can then assist with car repairs.

Jeff has qualified for additional help through SSVF to secure permanent housing. Jeff also receives a HUDVASH voucher which is part of an affordable housing program in which the client pays roughly 20% of his/her income to be able to maintain permanent housing. 

SSVF also has provided Jeff with a utility deposit, security deposit, and a bus pass. Jeff will remain in SSVF for a short period of time to ensure that client transition into permanent housing is successful.

Disabled American Veterans Indiana Service Foundation donates funds to HVAF to support veterans

A $15,000 donation from the Disabled American Veterans Indiana Service Foundation will help HVAF continue to operate three properties for homeless veterans that do not receive annual grant support through other sources.

“After talking to HVAF President/CEO Dr. Charles Haenlein, we felt our resources could go a long way in changing the lives of veterans at these three HVAF facilities,” says Mike Whelihan of the DAVISF. “The $5,000 we pledged to each of the three properties will cover costs related to utilities, general maintenance and landscaping, and we are proud to help provide quality shelter for these homeless heroes.”

HVAF houses more than 200 veterans across Central Indiana and each property is unique. We thank Mike and the rest of his peers at the DAVISF for helping support our comprehensive services to return veterans to self-sufficiency.

Mike Whelihan with DAVISF with Dr. Charles Haenlein

HVAF Board Member is recognized for outstanding service to veterans

HVAF Board Member Bill Moreau receives certificate of recognition 

Congratulations to HVAF Board Member Bill Moreau, who was recognized by the City of Indianapolis at a private reception hosted on June 17. Moreau was honored for his outstanding and continuous efforts to end homelessness, which includes 20 consecutive years of service to HVAF.

Employment spotlight

Earma Andrews known to the veterans at HVAF as “Mother Earma” is teary-eyed when she talks about her 15 years working at HVAF. She will be retiring in January 2015, as a Residential Assistant (RA) at the Manchester Apartments which is one of HVAF's 15 housing properties. Only 8 people worked alongside Earma when she began. Now there is 62 employees on staff.

Earma Andrews

“The organization has come a long way and we have more housing for our homeless veterans and that’s a good thing,” says Erma proudly.

She spent 20 years in the U.S. Army as a Staff Sergeant and traveled to Saudi Arabia during Desert Storm. She was tasked with casualty reporting.

“It was hard work and I was glad to come home after serving my country and work for an organization that supports veterans,” says Earma. 

Veterans at HVAF find strength in running

Matt T. was 23 years old when he entered the U.S. Army for the opportunity it provided him to attend college. After leaving the military, Matt worked as Deputy Assessor at the Washington Township Assessor’s Office in Indianapolis. It was after accepting a job transfer to Evansville, Indiana, which took him far from family and friends, that depression began to consume Matt.

Matt with his medal

“I felt like a lonely man on an island,” he says. 

Alcohol addiction led to job loss. During his last week of employment, Matt’s boss told him about HVAF of Indiana, its substance abuse recovery program and housing services. Two weeks after moving into HVAF, Tucker was introduced to Back on My Feet, a nonprofit organization that is dedicated to helping the homeless and other underserved populations build independence and self-sufficiency using the discipline of distance running.

“I began just walking with the group and then I started doing the walking/jogging and participated in the Bulldog Butler 5K,” says Matt, who most recently ran in the 8K race offered as a part of the Carmel Marathon in April.

“This is the first time in 50 years that I don’t need someone to give me a pat on my back or give me approval,” says Matt. “I know understand my self worth, and that really is a positive impact on my self-esteem,” says Matt.

While running with Back on My Feet, Matt met another HVAF client, Ray P., a 27-year-old Marine Corps veteran.

Ray running the Carmel Marathon

Ray’s childhood dream was to join the Marines. After serving for 5 years, Ray landed a job as a civil engineer but was spending long hours in the office. He says his marriage suffered as a result, and he also started drinking heavily. Through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs he was referred to HVAF of Indiana for help with housing.

At HVAF, Ray worked not only to improve his mental strength but physical toughness. Ray joined the Back on My Feet running group at HVAF, initially running 5K and 8K races. It was at this year’s Carmel Marathon that he would run his first marathon, a race of 26.2 miles.

Both Ray and Tucker trained together for their Carmel Marathon events, pushing each other to succeed.

“It felt great crossing the finish line, and it was an overwhelming feeling of accomplishment for both of us,” Ray says. 

HVAF vet gets help finding permanent home

Paul Holland had been homeless, living mostly on a friend’s couch, for the last 4 years. Today the 50-year-old is cleaning and decorating an apartment he now calls home.

Jaimie Huguenard, MSW, LSW, Paul’s case manager at HVAF, helped him land his lease by going with him to meet the landlord and helping with questions. Paul can’t believe his good fortune.

“This place is amazing,” says the U.S. Army veteran of the one bedroom apartment. "I saved enough money to begin to support myself again, and it felt good.”

“I thought the transition from living day-to-day to permanent housing was going to be challenging and the thought of being responsible for rent on such a limited income was overwhelming, but I am motivated to make it work,” Paul says.

Paul is quick to credit his Case Manager for her support.

“HVAF works with apartment complexes to find veterans and their families a place to live at a reasonable rate. Having a roof over one's head makes finding and keeping a job much easier and we are very proud of Paul for maintaining permanent housing and full-time employment at the JW Marriott,” Jaimie says.

As someone who has faced adversity, Paul wants to use his story to encourage and motivate others. He is proof that even if life gets rough you can get your life back on track if you stay positive and utilize the resources available to you.

HVAF makes the cut as one of 64 nonprofits competing in Brackets For Good 2014

Playoff season is around the corner for college basketball teams and nonprofits too!

Every March in Indy, Brackets For Good hosts single-elimination, competitive fundraising tournaments for nonprofit organizations to participate in at no cost. Those who advance all the way to final round have a chance to win $10,000. We want to win!

This year, HVAF is making its first appearance in the tournament and we’re looking to our strong base of supporters to help us advance through the four rounds.  We need you to make a donation during the first round week (beginning 8 p.m. Friday, February 28 - 7:59 p.m. March 7) and if we raise more funds than our competitor we move on to the second round.

While tip-off (a time to make your online donation to HVAF) does not happen until 8 p.m. on February 28th, please mark this date on your calendar.

In the meantime, help us raise awareness for our mission as we work to eliminate homelessness among veterans and their families and get warmed up for the first round by:

·         Following us as we post Brackets For Good information on Twitter
·         Liking us on Facebook 

A homeless vet dishes up warm meals

Reggie O., 57, entered the Marines with a passion for cooking and a long resume working at restaurants. When he finished his military service in 1975, Reggie came home, married in Nashville, Tennessee, had one child, bought a house and, and as he says, started to live happily ever after.

But after divorce, his battle to keep work in the construction industry lasted for two decades. Eventually, Reggie became homeless and joined the ranks of thousands of homeless veterans around the country. With no money coming in, Reggie didn’t know where his next meal would come from.

He came to HVAF in 2012 where he joined other veterans in transition.

"We all have so much in common and so much fellowship just having served," he said. "Now I'm turning around and serving other veterans by serving them meals at Warman Apartments where I live. It's an awfully good feeling."

Why vets struggle

Although homelessness is a concern for the general population, veterans face unique struggles, says Charles Haenlein, a Vietnam veteran and President & CEO of HVAF.

"These men and women went away to combat and came home a different person," says Haenlein. “It’s a hard process for a lot of people."

Abby Hardin, Reggie’s Case Manager, knows the struggles veterans face.

“The stigma of homelessness can also create a cycle that is difficult to break,” says Abby. "There are a lot of intelligent, well-mannered people that have just become displaced. Most anyone could be one paycheck away from being homeless."

Nearly a year after becoming homeless, Reggie says he’s ready to start a new life with a positive attitude and hopes to spend more time in the kitchen dishing up warm meals. He recently landed a job at IU Hospital working as a Cook.

“I love preparing and serving warm meals because it puts a smile on people’s faces,” says Reggie. “I’m getting a second chance to do a lot. If nothing else, the struggles of homelessness strengthened me."

Reggie also participates in Back on My Feet, an HVAF partner and national running program that promotes self-sufficiency through running.

The Home Depot Foundation Offers Grant and Benefits Veteran

Korean War Veteran Cliff Craig has been married to his wife, Pat, for 60 years. He is legally blind and she is his full-time caregiver. After years of living in their home, their appliances were not working, the flooring was not stable and the home was in need of a fresh coat of paint. Work included a bathroom renovation, replacing a broken storm window, installing paneling in several rooms, installing a new outdoor wheelchair ramp, and installing a flagpole to proudly fly our nation’s colors.

On October 3, 65 volunteers from The Home Depot stores partnered with HVAF to transform and update the home of Veteran Cliff Craig, as well as its Warman facility. At Warman, every interior wall got re-painted as well as enclosure of the back porches of units #202 and #204. 

HVAF Board Member and District Manager of The Home Depot, Bob Blake, is grateful to give back. “Not only are we proud to have the opportunity to refurbish the homes and facilities where they live and receive services, but also to say ‘thank you’ for their many sacrifices.”

The Home Depot Foundation’s COO, Fred Wacker, was on hand for the announcement.

Charles Haenlein, President & CEO of HVAF said, “We are thrilled and want to express our gratitude to The Home Depot Foundation for providing us with this grant. Warman is in need of facility improvements and the funds, coupled with Team Depot’s manpower, will help tremendously.”

Before photo of kitchen

After photo of kitchen

Salute for Cliff Craig

Team Depot volunteers present HVAF with a plaque.

Stand Down helps veterans stand up

Ralph McClury receives items at Stand Down

Making his way through crowds of veterans lined up for free haircuts, legal assistance and employment advice, Ralph McClury, a former HVAF client, received services and goods he needed.

Ralph McClury, a 59-year-old Army veteran and former HVAF client,  has been attending the Stand Down for four years.

“I received a lot of items I needed like hygiene products and underwear,” says Ralph. I love the event and I’m not going to miss it.”

The 9th annual Stand Down was held on September 12 for homeless and near-homeless veterans at AMVETS Post 99.

Stand Down is a military term used when exhausted combat units come off the battlefield to rest and recover in a place of safety. Today, Stand Down also refers to a community-based program that provides homeless and near-homeless veterans with food, shelter, clothing, basic medical exams, and assistance or referrals for social services, such as housing, legal matters and job counseling.

The first Stand Down was organized in 1988 by a group of Vietnam veterans in San Diego, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

161 homeless veterans utilized services at Stand Down including 14 females.

The HVAF Stand Down included flu shots, housing referrals and legal assistance through community partnerships. Veterans received food, clothing, health screenings, haircuts, and learned about services provided by the following: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, DeVry University, Homeless ReEntry Helpers, Homeless Initiative Program, HVRP, Indiana Legal Services, IUPUI Indianapolis Vet Center, RLR VA  Medical Clinic, SafeLink Wireless, Social Security Administration, State of Indiana Division of Family Resources, Suicide Prevention, Veterans Antiquities, Voc. Rehab, Volunteers of America and Work One.

Annual United Way Day of Caring offers volunteer opportunity, helps community efforts

United Way Day of Caring volunteers

The annual United Way Day of Caring provides an opportunity to improve the community through service. Last year over 1,800 people volunteered to help central Indiana’s nonprofit organizations, schools, and childcare centers. We were thankful to have some of these volunteers at HVAF last year. This year on Friday, August 23^rd, HVAF hosted more United Way volunteers.

Raphael Adeola (left) and Jeffrey Archey Jr. (right)

One of these volunteers was Raphael Adeola, 27, from Amica Insurance. “Our company has two volunteer days a year and this is a great way to thank our veterans,” he said. Raphael’s uncle served in the Army and his sister and brother-in law served in the Air Force.

Jeffrey Archey Jr., 24, a Loan Executive sponsored by UPS for United Way also wanted to give back to our veterans. “I’m trying to get a greater understanding of all the agencies United Way is associated with. It’s also a great feeling to come out and do something for the veterans.”

Thank you to those who participated this year. We hope to see you all again next year!

Hundreds of veteran families to benefit through new funding

United Way of Central Indiana (UWCI) was recently awarded a $1,347,519 grant for Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The award continues a program that got underway in Central Indiana in 2011 and has since helped more than 300 households.

“Because of the SSVF grants, HVAF will be able to provide a range of services that promote self-sufficiency among veterans and their families,” says HVAF President & CEO Charles Haenlein. “SSVF helps with transportation and bill paying.”

SSVF aims to prevent at-risk veterans from becoming homeless and to rapidly re-house those who recently became homeless through services promoting housing stability and connecting veterans and their families to mental health care and other benefits to which they are entitled.

The new funding will benefit approximately 400 veterans and their families in Central Indiana. It can be used to offer temporary financial assistance to veterans for rent and utility payments, security deposits and moving costs. HVAF and HealthNet Homeless Initiative Program administer the services locally.

In 2012, 187 households received assistance through HVAF’s SSVF program which included helping eligible veterans and families with outreach, case management and assistance in obtaining VA and other benefits. Qualified clients also received assistance with budgeting and creating a stability plan and some veterans were also eligible for limited payments to third parties (e.g., landlords, utility companies, moving companies, and licensed child care providers) when these payments helped veterans and families maintain or acquire permanent housing.

This is the third year SSVF grants have helped veterans and their families find or remain in their homes. 

Read the full story in the IBJ.