As a Marine veteran and member of the House Veterans Affairs and Public Safety Committee, I know firsthand the sacrifices our service members make. When they return home, they deserve more than just our gratitude. They deserve real support to help them transition back into civilian life. Unfortunately, too many Hoosier veterans face challenges that no one should have to endure, including homelessness.
I'm proud to support the Indiana House of Representatives' partnership with Helping Veterans and Families of Indiana (HVAF) during the 2025 legislative session. This year, we’re working together to collect essential food, clothing, hygiene items and monetary donations for HVAF at the Statehouse through March. HVAF has been on the front lines in the fight against veteran homelessness in Indiana, and it's important to support them following a devastating fire that displaced 48 veterans last fall at one of their facilities.
The numbers are disheartening, with about 500 Hoosier veterans experiencing homelessness each year. Additionally, according to the 2023 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, more than 35,000 veterans nationally experienced homelessness on a single night in January. These are men and women who stood on the front lines, defending our freedoms. They shouldn't have to wonder where their next meal will come from or where they'll sleep at night.
Ending veteran homelessness takes all of us. I encourage my colleagues and all Hoosiers to join in this effort. Please consider donating and supporting us in our partnership. Hoosiers who would like to donate or find more information can visit https://www.hvafofindiana.org/donate-state-rep/. The public is also welcome to drop off non-perishable food, home essentials and hygiene products at the donation bins placed outside the House Chamber on the third floor and in the south atrium of the fourth floor at the Statehouse.
Let's make sure that every struggling veteran in Indiana has the support they need to rebuild their lives.
To learn more about our partnership, visit IndianaHouseRepublicans.com.
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State Rep. Craig Haggard (R-Mooresville) represents House District 57,
which includes portions of Hendricks, Johnson and Morgan counties.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
