Page 4 - 2016 HVAF Annual Report

Near homeless veteran turns to law
school for fresh start
Anthony, 53, served in the Navy from 1982-1983 on the USS Mount Baker. There is a long-standing family history of joining the military. His dad, brother and son have all been enlisted. One of the biggest joys of joining the Navy was visiting 15 countries.
The military molded Anthony into the person he is today. He strives to reach a standard of excellence, discipline, and uniformity. Anthony was nearly homeless and was in need of assistance after he had taken in and supported his three grandchildren.
HVAF helped him move into permanent housing, provided him a washer and dryer, and made sure his grandkids were provided for at Christmas. “HVAF lifted the weight and continue to care about me. They went well beyond what I ever imagined,” he said. Currently, Anthony is a law student at U of Indy and looks back at HVAF as the cornerstone of his current success.
Homeless veteran makes strides in HVAF
program
Michael served in the Air Force from 1973-1975. His father made the military into his career, so Michael decided to follow in his footsteps. “There wasn’t anything to do. [I was] in the middle of nowhere so I though it was a good option, “ he said.
In 1975, Michael started to struggle with depression but
didn’t know why. He turned to the base hospital and went to counseling. Years had passed and Michael had moved from Arizona to Indiana. He got his bachelor’s degree in Public Affairs and minored in Philanthropy from IUPUI. Michael says he could not find a job working as a telemarketer, when he tried to take his life. That’s when the VA referred him to HVAF.
Through HVAF, he met his case manager, Jennifer. She cares about Michael and wants him to succeed. He respects her so much and considers her a friend. Michael lives at Manchester Apartments and is starting a new job. “Things are looking up. I’m gonna get through this.”