INDIANAPOLIS — Just days after a devastating fire destroyed the Helping Veterans and Families building in downtown Indianapolis, the organization says they are committed to rebuilding and grateful for the help from the community.
The massive fire on Saturday night, Oct. 26, destroyed the homes of 48 people.
It took 100 firefighters from around the city to put the fire out.
The veterans and their families are looking at the positive side of their recovery.
Allen Stewart was in his apartment when someone knocked on his door, alerting him to the fire that had spread throughout the building.
Stewart knew he had to get out and he had to help his friends.
"Some people don't open the doors, you know, just if they was there, make sure they know they needed to get out. We got some people that ain't gonna ask the door," Stewart said.
Stewart and other veterans forced out of the fire are now living at at extended stay hotels across the city. HVAF CEO Emmy Hildebrand said the veterans will be there for a while.
"Our staff are there daily, providing supportive services, especially more intensive mental health services, given the traumatic event that everyone has been through," Hildebrand said. "We're working to quickly move veterans into permanent housing when they're ready, so they can be out on their own."
Throughout the week following the fire, hundreds of Amazon packages have arrived and the HVAF said it has set up additional pantry hours for people who have been displaced by the fire.
"The response has been incredible, both in terms of financial donations, but also stuff," Hildebrand said.
Hildebrand said it will take time, but they will rebuild.
"We have been around in this community for 31 years, serving the most vulnerable veterans. Manchester Apartments has been a big part of that, and it will be again in the future," Hildebrand said.
Fire investigators have ruled the fire accidental, but they haven't pinpointed the exact cause.