INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Veteran homelessness in Indianapolis has decreased by 26% over the past year, according to a new report from Helping Veterans and Families of Indiana.

The point-in-time count, a federal requirement to assess homelessness, published on Thursday revealed this significant reduction in veteran homelessness in the city. This progress is attributed to HVAF’s efforts in providing housing with supportive services to veterans.

Amy Hildebrand, chief executive officer of HVAF, says the solution to homelessness is housing with supportive services. “That’s what we do at HVAF every day for veterans in our community,” she added.

Last October, HVAF faced a setback when a fire nearly destroyed their largest transitional housing property, the Manchester Apartments on Pennsylvania Street.

However, the organization quickly began planning for the future and recently celebrated the reopening of the renovated building.

The renovations at Manchester Apartments will eventually add 14 more housing units and double the pantry space, enhancing HVAF’s capacity to serve veterans. As part of a community-wide initiative, 24 veterans were recently moved into the newly renovated apartments.

Hildebrand continues to focus on its mission to end veteran homelessness, working closely with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the local community.

Despite the 26% reduction, Hildebrand says there are still many veterans facing homelessness.

“Veterans are more likely to be homeless than nonveterans, especially women veterans, who are two-to-three times more likely to be homeless than any other adult in the U.S,” Hildebrand said.

Community support remains crucial, with HVAF encouraging financial donations and volunteer efforts to sustain their programs and maintain their properties.

“We (still) have a lot of work to do,” she said.

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