A fire at an HVAF facility in Indianapolis displaced 48 veterans

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with additional information from the Indiana HVAF and the Indianapolis Fire Department.

A massive fire broke out at a housing center for homeless U.S. military veterans in the 900 block of North Pennsylvania Avenue Saturday night, leaving dozens homeless.

The fire happened on Helping Veterans and Families of Indiana Inc.Manchester Apartments, the nonprofit said in a statement released Sunday afternoon. The facility serves as temporary housing for 48 homeless veterans.

“For veterans struggling to return to self-sufficiency, last night’s loss is unbelievable,” the organization said in a statement. “We appreciate the support of our community as we work to rebuild.”

Indianapolis firefighters first responded to a general alarm fire at the scene, near 10th Street and the downtown Indianapolis Public Library, around 9:35 p.m., the fire department said in a news release. Arriving firefighters found a fire on the second floor of the two-story building, sending a red glow and smoke into the night sky.

Data provided by the Indianapolis Fire Department showed that 46 out of 51 residents of an apartment complex near St. Colonel Donald W. Moreau Sr. Community Veterans Center was accounted for as of 3:40 a.m. Sunday. But HVAF said the apartments have 51 units and 48 residents, all of whom are now accounted for. Three units were vacant.

Three people were taken to Eskenazi Hospital with minor injuries, the IFD said in a press release.

Indiana’s HVAF is the largest provider of comprehensive services to veterans experiencing or experiencing homelessness, according to its website. It also serves active duty, reserve and National Guard members.

The HVAF provides housing to more than 150 veterans through 14 facilities. The nonprofit also provides temporary housing, employment services and a pantry to at-risk or homeless veterans.

IFD said several units were dispatched to battle the fire. The department said there were people inside the building and at least 18 people had been removed by 10:06 p.m. It took three and a half hours to bring the fire under control, according to IFD. All registered residents are currently staying in district hotels.

The HVAF said the damage at the complex was catastrophic. The reason is currently unknown.

Several organizations and institutions provided assistance at the scene. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and Indianapolis EMS were on hand, as was the Indianapolis Fire Department’s Rehabilitation Support and Victim Assistance Unit. The Red Cross and the Salvation Army also helped.

IndyGo transit buses were used to assist victims at the scene. The fire department says local small businesses, such as The Den Indy and Living Room Lounge, offered supplies, food and water to firefighters battling the blaze.

In an updated IFD news release, firefighters are continuing to examine the scene to determine the cause of the fire.

Per standard protocol, ATF is assisting in what is now a joint investigation because HVAF is a federal agency, the department said. The Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office is also assisting in the investigation.

“We are grateful that IFD was on the scene quickly to fight the fire and that IndyGo provided buses to transport the displaced veterans,” HVAF said in a statement.

The HVAF has established a firefighter relief fund, which can be found at https://www.hvafondiana.org/donate-hvaf-fireassistancefund/.

Those wishing to help can also purchase items for displaced veterans from Amazon’s wish list, which can be accessed at https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3BPBZDBHV39T/ref=nav_wishlist_lists.

Contact IndyStar investigative reporter Alexandria Burris at [email protected]. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, at @allyburris.