As the Indiana General Assembly meets to consider policies that shape our state, we also have an opportunity to make a direct impact on those who served our country. This session, we are partnering with Helping Veterans and Families of Indiana (HVAF) to host an essentials drive for homeless and at-risk veterans, ensuring they have access to basic items they need to rebuild their lives.
HVAF of Indiana is a 501 (c)(3) that helps homeless veterans return to self-sufficiency and engages at-risk veterans and their families to prevent them from becoming homeless by providing housing, case management, food, hygiene and clothing, as well as important and other essential services. Through March, we'll be collecting food, clothing, hygiene items and monetary donations at the Statehouse to support HVAF and the veterans they serve.
In October 2024, a catastrophic fire at a housing property operated by HVAF displaced 48 veterans. The organization has been working since to support those affected and rebuild.
According to HVAF, approximately 500 Hoosier veterans experience homelessness every year. The 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development found more than 35,000 veterans nationally experienced homelessness on a single night in January. This alarming information highlights the critical need to provide our veterans with stable housing, health care and resources to rebuild their lives after serving our country.
We welcome the public to join our efforts and drop off donations in the bins placed outside the House Chamber on the third floor and in the south atrium of the fourth floor at the Statehouse. Hoosiers who would like to make a monetary donation can do so online by clicking here.
I look forward to the remainder of this legislative session and encourage Hoosiers to stay engaged in the policymaking process while also supporting these veterans. Together, we can make a difference for these heroes. To learn more about our partnership, visit IndianaHouseRepublicans.com.
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State Rep. Cory Criswell (R-Middletown) represents House District 54,
which includes portions of Hancock, Henry, Rush and Shelby counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
