Indy Standard

Indiana House legislators have teamed up with Helping Veterans and Families of Indiana (HVAF) to support Hoosier veterans in need. The partnership, announced for the 2025 legislative session, aims to host an essentials drive collecting food, clothing, hygiene items, and monetary donations at the Statehouse through March.

House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) and House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) launched the initiative on January 28th. "Our veterans devoted their lives to defending this state and country, and we must do everything we can to ensure they have the resources to thrive after their service," Huston stated. He encouraged colleagues and Hoosiers to support HVAF through this initiative.

In October 2024, a fire at an HVAF-operated housing property displaced 48 veterans. Since then, HVAF has been working to assist those affected and rebuild. The organization has created an Amazon wish list detailing needed items for veterans facing homelessness. Monetary donations are also sought for reconstruction efforts.

"HVAF is doing great work for our Hoosier veterans, and they need our help as they recover from a devastating fire late last year," said GiaQuinta. "Let's help them continue serving those who served us in the military."

HVAF reports that approximately 500 Hoosier veterans experience homelessness annually. A report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development noted over 35,000 veterans were homeless nationwide on a single night in January 2023.

Emmy Hildebrand, CEO of HVAF of Indiana, expressed gratitude for the partnership: "We are so grateful to the Indiana House of Representatives for choosing HVAF to be their 2025 non-profit partner." She emphasized collective efforts are needed to end veteran homelessness in Indiana.

Tommy Martin, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran affected by the October fire who now has permanent housing, shared his appreciation: “I finally feel like I have a place to call my own. I owe a lot to HVAF."

Those interested in donating or seeking more information can visit https://www.hvafofindiana.org/donate-state-rep/. Donations of non-perishable food, home essentials, and hygiene products can be dropped off at designated bins outside the House Chamber on the third floor and in the south atrium on the fourth floor at the Statehouse.

HVAF of Indiana is a nonprofit dedicated to helping homeless veterans achieve self-sufficiency by providing essential services such as housing, case management, food, hygiene products, clothing, employment assistance, and more.