STATEHOUSE (Jan. 28, 2025) – Indiana House lawmakers and Helping Veterans and Families of Indiana, a nonprofit dedicated to ending veteran homelessness, are partnering for the 2025 legislative session to host an essentials drive to help Hoosier veterans in need.
House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) and House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne) launched the start of the House donation drive on Tuesday, January 28th to collect essential food, clothing, hygiene items and monetary donations at the Statehouse through March.
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.
"Our veterans devoted their lives to defending this state and country, and we must do everything we can to ensure they have the resources to thrive after their service," Huston said. "I encourage my colleagues in the Statehouse and all Hoosiers to support HVAF and our veterans in need through this initiative."
HVAF created a general ongoing necessities Amazon wish list that details the most needed items for veterans facing homelessness. Monetary donations will be accepted to aid in the reconstruction efforts to HVAF's largest housing property after the devastating October fire.
"HVAF is doing great work for our Hoosier veterans, and they need our help as they recover from a devastating fire late last year," GiaQuinta said. "Let's help them continue serving those who served us in the military."
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.
"We are so grateful to the Indiana House of Representatives for choosing HVAF to be their 2025 non-profit partner," said Emmy Hildebrand, HVAF of Indiana CEO. "It will take all of us to end veteran homelessness in our state and we’re grateful to see elected officials and other state government employees join us on this mission.”
Tommy Martin, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran who was impacted by the October fire and is now in permanent housing said, “I finally feel like I have a place to call my own. I owe a lot to HVAF."
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.
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 employment and other essential services.
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House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers) represents
House District 37, which includes a portion of Hamilton County.
To download high-resolution photos of House Republican members click here.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo of GiaQuinta.
PHOTO CAPTION: Pictured, left to right: Tommy Martin, U.S. Marine Corps veteran; Emmy Hildebrand, HVAF of Indiana CEO; House Democratic Leader Phil GiaQuinta (D-Fort Wayne); House Speaker Todd Huston (R-Fishers).
