Next week most of us will scramble to buy cards and flowers for a sweetheart, but we should all look for a way to give our thanks to the men and women who allow us to celebrate each and every day of freedom in our country.

Think outside the “box of chocolates” this year! Write a quick note of appreciation and make a small gift in honor of a veteran in your life through our Open Doors With Care initiative. Proceeds will help homeless veterans in Indy get back on their feet.

Did you know that 17% of our city’s
homeless are veterans?

These are people who sacrificed a portion of their lives to serve OUR families and OUR community.

According to the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, veterans who experience homelessness have high incidences of mental health and substance abuse issues, often as a result of conflict-related stress, and high levels of physical disability, due to injury or illness. And, they may lack social support networks.

All of these concerns make it difficult for some veterans to easily return to civilian life after having served. Veterans facing the risk of homelessness also often spend over 50% of their income on housing-related costs.

As one of the largest and most comprehensive programs for the homeless in the state, HealthNet’s Homeless Initiative Program (HIP) provides a network of services to treat the whole person, as he or she moves from homelessness into housing, employment and self-sufficiency.

HIP’s Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) successfully helps homeless veterans everyday who are struggling to adjust back to civilian life. (Read about veterans Ricky Wallace and Jeff Smith.)

Share Some Heart

Your support in helping us raise $10,000 for HIP by March 10 gives our city’s heroes a chance to start again.  And, it’s a great way to show some love for a hero in YOUR life!

Check out our Open Doors with Care page to see how you can help!