Fire at Indianapolis HVAF facility displaces 48 homeless veterans

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

A massive fire broke out late Saturday at an apartment complex for homeless U.S. military veterans in the 900 block of North Pennsylvania Avenue, forcing dozens of people there to flee their homes.

The fire occurred in Helping Veterans and Families Indiana Inc.Manchester Apartments, the nonprofit said in a statement 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 unimaginable,” the organization said in a statement. “We appreciate the support of our community as we work to recover and rebuild.”

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

According to the Indianapolis Fire Department, 46 of the 51 residents living in the apartment complex near Colonel Donald W. Moreau Sr. Veterans Community 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 have now been accounted for. Three apartments were empty.

An IFD news release said three people were taken to Eskenazi Hospital with minor injuries.

According to its website, Indiana HVAF is the largest provider of comprehensive services for veterans experiencing or facing homelessness. It also serves active duty military, reservists and National Guard members.

HVAF provides housing to more than 150 veterans across 14 facilities. The nonprofit also provides transitional housing, job placement services and a food pantry for veterans at risk or experiencing homelessness.

The IFD said multiple units were dispatched to fight the fire. The department said there were people inside the building and at least 18 people had been evacuated 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 now in local hotels.

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

Several organizations and agencies assisted at the scene. The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department and Indianapolis Emergency Medical Services were on scene, along with the Indianapolis Fire Department’s Rehabilitation and Casualty Services Unit. The Red Cross and Salvation Army also provided assistance.

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

In an updated press release, IFD said fire investigators continue to examine the fire scene to determine the cause of the fire.

As is standard protocol, ATF is assisting in the joint investigation because HVAF is a federally funded agency, the department said. The Indiana State Fire Marshal’s Office is also assisting in the investigation.

“We are grateful to IFD for quickly arriving on scene to work on the fire, and for IndyGo providing buses to transport displaced veterans,” HVAF said in a statement.

HVAF has established a fire relief fund which can be found at: https://www.hvafofindiana.org/donate-hvaf-fireassistancefund/.

Those wanting to help can also purchase items for displaced veterans from the Amazon Wishlist, 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.