HVAF of Indiana, Inc. joined thousands from around the world for a 3-day veterans reunion

HVAF of Indiana, Inc. joined 5-thousand people in Kokomo, Ind., for the 29th annual Howard County Vietnam Veterans Reunion on September 16-18, 2011. The three-day event featured several bands, speakers, and mini-reunions honoring veterans from all wars with the main focus on those who served during the Vietnam era.

At HVAF's informational booth, staffers distributed handout's and brochures to veterans and families. HVAF's mission is to eliminate homelessness among veterans and families through prevention, education, supportive services, and advocacy.

"Each year the 22-acre field transforms into a mini-city of tents where thousands of veterans and their families come together," says Misha Bennett MSW, case manager at HVAF. "It's a chance for us to share with others what we do at HVAF of Indiana, Inc. as well as answer any questions."

Stand Down event draws hundreds

HVAF of Indiana, Inc. held its annual Stand Down on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2011, at AMVETS Post 99 in Indianapolis, IN.

Year after year dedicated service providers, volunteers, community-based organizations, and representatives from city, county and state agencies join together in a collaborative effort to see that our nation's disadvantaged veterans do not get left behind or forgotten.




Indiana Army National Guard 38th Infantry Divsion headquartered at Stout Field performed Color Guard while Major Lisa Kopczynski with Indiana Army National Guard sang the national anthem.

"Whether it's receiving a free eye exam or a new pair of warm socks, everyone is dedicated to doing what they can to help," says Charles Haenlein, HVAF President and CEO.


Services offered included V.A. medical and mental health counseling, legal assistance, clothing, food and free haircuts.


Stand Down, originally a military term for a time of rest and recovery for exhausted combat units, is now a nationally recognized as community-based, outreach program designed to help the nation's estimated 200,000 homeless veterans "combat" life on the streets.

Two wheels help HVAF of Indiana, Inc. veterans move forward

When Chris Campbell, a client at HVAF of Indiana, Inc., opened the door to his Indianapolis, Ind. bedroom one July day, he discovered a new red Raleigh road bike. This was better than any Christmas or birthday present he could imagine because a bike opened up many possibilities and freedoms. Chris was no longer limited to walking everywhere, including work. Campbell's story was the focus of a helping veterans article published in The Indianapolis Star.

Campbell's new bike was assembled in a room at the Putnamville Correctional Facility. A work line has been set up for Shifting Gears, a partnership of Bicycle Garage Indy, Volunteers of America, and the Indiana Department of Correction. Donated bikes are refurbished and then given to nonprofits, like HVAF.

The goal is to provide work opportunities to non-violent offenders and help build self-worth in preparation for re-entry into the community. There are plenty of bikes that need a home.

Campbell has called HVAF home since April 19, 2011. He served as army medic in the 1980's, and worked as a nurse for a live-in client until a disagreement left him out of work and in need of a place to stay. Campbell wasn't proud of his past but he was able to get a new job as a nurse at long-term care facility.

"I'm happy that these guys are able to get to places and do not have to walk. The bike really helps, and it's a great way to help our clients stay active," says Kalisha Hayes, a case manager at HVAF.

HVAF has used Shifting Gears frequently, ordering close to 100 bikes in recent years. The day the last batch came, Hayes picked out a two-wheeler for each veteran.

"It gives you the freedom to enjoy life, to enjoy nice days," says Campbell.

Help HVAF of Indiana, Inc. bring home $25,000 from Home Depot

The Home Depot Foundation has selected HVAF of Indiana, Inc. as one of only four nationwide nonprofits to compete in the September 2011 "Aprons in Action" competition, a unique Facebook program that will earn the winning nonprofit a $25,000 gift card to their local Home Depot store.

VOTE FOR HVAF NOW USING THIS LINK

HVAF of Indiana, Inc. serves more than 200 homeless military veterans each day and an addition 150 homeless individuals each week. Services include housing, meals and other basic needs as well as personal and professional development training and intensive treatment programs for substance addiction.

“Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer, and to be recognized as a nonprofit making a valuable impact on its community by a company that is household name means a lot in terms of building awareness,” says Charles Haenlein, President & CEO of HVAF of Indiana, Inc.

The Home Depot Foundation "Aprons in Action" competition featuring HVAF of Indiana, Inc. begins at 9 a.m. EST on Thursday, Sept. 1, and ends at 12 p.m. EST on Friday, Sept. 30.

The competition runs through the Home Depot Facebook page. HVAF of Indiana, Inc. supporters simply need to log on to their Facebook page, “Like” the page, and then place their vote for HVAF in provided contest space.

VOTE FOR HVAF NOW USING THIS LINK

“Winning a $25,000 gift card from Home Depot would be enough renovate an entire HVAF property that serves as many as 40 homeless veterans,” says Ron Shelley, Chief Operating Officer of HVAF. “That’s 40 people who bravely served our country who would have a new and up-to-date place to call home because our supporters went on to Facebook to vote for HVAF.”

HVAF supporters are allowed one vote per person per 24 hour period, and a complete listing of the contest rules are available at the Home Depot Facebook page.

“HVAF has been very lucky in recent years to receive support from Indianapolis-area Home Depot stores, including volunteer days when members of Team Depot helped with renovation and construction work at our properties (see story on page two of the HVAF June, 2011, newsletter),” Haenlein says. “The opportunity to compete in the national "Aprons in Action" was born out of that local partnership, and we couldn’t be more excited."

Navy week sets sail in Indianapolis, HVAF of Indiana, Inc. celebrates

HVAF of Indiana, Inc. clients and staff celebrated 2011 Navy Week at its Moreau apartments, which are home to forty previously homeless veterans.

Navy sailors with the USS Shoup joined in the celebrations and spent time with the HVAF veterans.

"Navy Week gives us a chance to showcase the Navy to all Hoosiers and also give thanks to our veterans," CDR Charles Ridings, Commanding Officer with the Navy Operation Support Center says.