INDIANAPOLIS — The state's largest nonprofit aimed at helping homeless veterans and their families says it's seeing higher demand.
"It's hard for veterans out here and we need help and sometimes asking for help is not something we do very good," said Larry Blackwell.
Larry Blackwell served in the U.S. Navy for six years.
He fell on tough times in 2020, and eventually became homeless.
"In 2020, around when the pandemic was in full-blown pandemic mode I had gotten sick and was in the hospital for a couple of months and when I got out, I immediately came down here. I did my rehab and all of that stuff they started here," Blackwell said.
Helping Veterans and Families (HVAF) houses him and provides him with the resources needed to survive.
"They're great," Blackwell said.
Blackwell says living on the street isn't easy.
"It's very tough. There are a lot of homeless veterans in this city," Blackwell said.
A recent report that tallies Indianapolis' homeless population shows the number of homeless vets dropped by 35%.
While that is good news, the non-profit's CEO Emmy Hildebrand says hundreds still need help.
"So we are looking at anywhere from 450 to probably 700 veterans that will be homeless this year in Indianapolis," Hildebrand said.
Hildebrand said, right now, there is a higher demand for veterans seeking food, clothing and hygiene through the nonprofit.
"Every month our pantry numbers go up a little bit," Hildebrand said.
Finding housing is also a struggle.
"It's hard to find a unit and they are all really expensive and again, when you are struggling paycheck to paycheck and food costs more and utilities are up pretty dramatic, you can't afford most of the units here in Marion County," Hildebrand said.
In October, the construction of a new 61-unit building providing permanent affordable housing is excepted to be complete.
15 units will be set aside for homeless vets.
In the meantime, Hildebrand and Blackwell encourage those suffering to reach out.
"It offers you a place to come in and kind of find yourself and get yourself together," Blackwell said.
Helping Homeless Veterans and Families is always looking for help from the community.
Right now they need:
- Hygiene products
- Canned goods
- Boxed food
- Clothing in all sizes
- Volunteers
To donate, you can visit the nonprofit on 64 N. Pennsylvania St. or visit their website.
A spokesperson for the city of Indianapolis tells WRTV:
"Veterans have made tremendous sacrifices to protect and serve our country and it’s vital that we do the same for them. The 2022 Point in Time Count showed a 35 percent decrease in veterans experiencing homelessness across Indianapolis – which is a testament to the success of our housing first approach. The City of Indianapolis celebrates this milestone but recognizes that there's a lot more work to be done. We'll continue to collaborate with the Indianapolis Continuum of Care to ensure that veterans have permanent, safe, and affordable places to live."
-
Netflix to open massive 'experiential entertainment' venues in these two cities
Ever wanted to experience the world of "Bridgerton" in real life? Soon, you can. Netflix is opening up massive venues to let you experience shows and movies for yourself. Here's where they'll be.
RecycleForce celebrates moving into it’s permanent facility
The organization has been helping formerly incarcerated individuals re-enter society since it began. For the first time in its 28-year history, it has a permanent home on the east side of Indy.
Team of volunteers using advanced AI to help IMPD solve decades old cold case
Sophia Delgado is one of the members of Team Monocles, a group who is trying to shed light on a decades old cold case for IMPD. Their goal is to catch the perpetrator within 90 days.
Inaugural film festival aims to keep young creatives in Indiana
Deonna Weatherly is the driving force behind the Indiana Youth Film Festival. The inaugural festival takes place June 22 and will feature 17 films.
