Veteran housing reopens in Indianapolis after complex fire last year

Emmy Hildebrand, CEO of Helping Veterans and Families, remembers the night Manchester Apartments caught fire in October 2024. Flames shot out of the building, water pooled down the street and smoke choked everyone standing outside, she said.

The accidental fire destroyed much of the facility, which is managed by HVAF, in downtown Indianapolis. It displaced all 48 veterans living there. The apartments are right next door to HVAF’s service center. 

“It was devastating to be here the night of the fire… but we've come from that night,” Hildebrand said.

Immediately following the fire HVAF and its community partners moved all displaced veterans into hotels across the city. Months later, the 48 veterans found permanent or transitional housing.

Now, Manchester Apartments will partially reopen, less than a year later.

The north tower of the complex will house 23 local veterans. Each one-bedroom unit will come equipped with furniture, kitchenware and other supplies for veterans.

The goal is to fill all units by the end of the month, Hildebrand said.

“There are so many veterans that need these vital services,” she said. “We're really excited to join with our community and continue our mission to end veteran homelessness.”

HVAF officials have already begun the vetting process for occupants.

Renovations on the south tower, where the fire did the most damage, are still ongoing. Hildebrand expects those to be complete next year with expansion on the way.

“We're going to add 14 additional units there and move our pantry over there, which will double our pantry space,” she said. “So we've got big plans and we need our community every step of the way.”

Originally, the full complex had 51 units, and at the time of the fire only 48 units were being used.

HVAF plans to showcase the newly repaired units at an event on June 11 from 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. It is open to the public, but people must RSVP.

For more information on the open house visit HVAF’s website or email them at advancement@hvaf.org.

Contact WFYI Morning Edition newscaster and reporter Abriana Herron at aherron@wfyi.org.