Page 14 - 2019-2020 HVAF Annual Report

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From 2007-2011, Vincent served active duty for the United States Navy. But due to missing his child’s birth, his first and second birthday, and other important milestones, he decided to be discharged.
For several years after his time on active duty, Vincent experienced divorce, mental health issues, and homelessness. Although he was going to school using the G.I. Bill he was sending money to his ex-wife and child, which led him to becoming homeless and struggling to find places to sleep at night.
Navy vet Vincent: "I'm not going through it alone."
After several years of facing tough times, Vincent said his mom prayed about it, and she was led to think of Indiana as a place for him to live. They found out Indiana has a great Veterans Affairs system, and decided it would be an ideal place for Vincent to move to— making him not too far away from his family in Michigan. He arrived in Indianapolis in 2015, and the Veterans Affairs Benefits Administration pointed him to HVAF.
“I really can’t thank HVAF enough.”
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“My mental health is a lot better,” Vincent said. “My emotions, physically— the physical is still tough but it’s a lot better thanks to the resources HVAF provides.”
Today, Vincent lives in one of HVAF’s properties and receives case management. He said he appreciates how not only his one case manager, Tisha, helps him; but everyone on staff is there for him. Everyone— from the case managers to the front desk receptionists to the maintenance workers— care about him, he said.
“They keep telling me- you don’t have to go through this alone,” Vincent said.
While staying in our properties and receiving help through our programs and services, Vincent is also able to work for a security company. Every veteran Vincent comes into contact with, he makes sure to tell them about the services HVAF provides.
“I’ve realized my own self-potential, through the resources and the guidance and the mentorship,” Vincent said. “I really can’t thank HVAF enough.”
Army vet Kevin: "I'm glad HVAF is around!"
How our case managers found housing for Kevin and his grandson
Last September, Army veteran Kevin E. was homeless, as he was living in his vehicle. That same month, his life was changed.
He found out his 12-year-old grandson did not have a place to live anymore, and he would need to gain custody of him. He knew he needed to find a home for both of them, and he needed to find it fast.
Thankfully, Kevin already knew about HVAF, as he had been an employee of the organization in the early 2000’s. He enrolled in Supportive Services for Veterans and their Families (SSVF) and was assigned to case manager Kiley.
Since he was on disability and worked part time, Kiley said that helped him have enough
income to get housed easily. She also referred him to HVAF’s housing specialist, William Najera, to expedite the housing search. Eight days after he enrolled in SSVF, he was successfully placed into permanent housing.
The SSVF program provided beds for him and his grandson, as well as paid for the security deposit, first month’s rent, and all of his prior utility arrears to get service in his name. HVAF also referred him to Mustard Seed for furniture and home goods, and paid for the delivery.
“Not only was Kevin a pleasure to work with, but it was so rewarding to help reunify this veteran with his grandson in a safe, clean environment,” Kiley said. “He was motivated to get into housing and our HVAF team worked quickly to accommodate all of their needs.”
Kevin said HVAF is the best thing to ever happen to a veteran who is in need of assistance.
“I’m glad that HVAF is around to get help,” Kevin said. “I recommend any veteran that needs help to come here because HVAF will do whatever they can to get veterans back on their feet.”
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