HVAF is dedicated to eliminating homelessness for veterans and their families.
Established in 1993, Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation (HVAF) of Indiana has provided front-line support and services to our most vulnerable veterans and their families for over 25 years. While less than five percent of Americans have served in the military, veterans make up 25 percent of all the homeless in our country. We have learned that these men and women need more than just a roof over their heads to move from homelessness into self-sufficiency. Accordingly, we have implemented a series of robust supporting programs to supplement the housing provided and ensure our veterans are best postured for success.
To eliminate homelessness, HVAF provides supportive, structured housing to veterans and their families. We also provide veterans and their families with the assistance necessary to ensure successful independent living in the community.
Each veteran we serve receives intensive case management to address any mental health, behavioral health and substance abuse problems, as well as legal and employment assistance services. We connect veterans to the benefits they have earned, and we leverage the strong bonds between veterans by giving them a place of belonging and a sense of community – something many of them have desperately missed since leaving the military. We also operate a food, clothing and hygiene pantry that provides basic needs.
The Mission
HVAF of Indiana houses, supports and advocates for veterans and their families to achieve a better quality of life. Our vision: Hope, housing, and self-sufficiency for all veterans and their families. Our core values are respect, dignity, collaboration, honesty, professionalism and positive experience.
What would you do with 100 volunteer hours and $5,000?
Veteran homelessness has decreased by 20 percent in Central Indiana. Additionally, we are celebrating our 25th anniversary this year by announcing an expansion of programs. We are launching a capital campaign to address the growing opioid crisis, as well as making a greater impact through emergency shelter housing for just veterans (there are none of these in the Midwest) and through workforce development.