Downtown Indianapolis housing facility for veterans reopens 2 years after fire

INDIANAPOLIS (WRTV) – A transitional housing shelter for former military members will reopen next week with expanded services following a $12 million restoration project.

Helping Veterans and Families of Indiana (HVAF) restored the Manchester Apartments at 960 N. Pennsylvania St. after a fire on Oct. 26, 2024, displaced 48 residents. The facility now includes 14 new permanent housing units and an expanded food pantry.

Authorities with the Department of Veterans Affairs will conduct a final walkthrough Friday at the three-story building. HVAF officials plan to open the new food pantry next week, with residents moving into the units shortly after.

The nonprofit restored the South Tower and added features to the new units, including personal bathrooms, kitchenettes, and upgraded fire safety systems. Five of the apartments are fully accessible for people with disabilities.

HVAF also doubled the size of its food pantry by adding refrigerators, freezers, and more storage space.

The North Tower of the complex previously reopened in June 2025.

“I found it so tragic after the fire, that there were veterans living here that, even though it was just transitional housing, they had found that stability,” said Emmy Hildebrand, CEO of HVAF. “Then they lost everything again.”

Hildebrand described the years following the fire as a difficult period for homeless services. She cited changes to federal funding, state grant cuts, and the implementation of a public camping ban as major hurdles for the organization.

Despite the political challenges and the accidental fire, Hildebrand said the shared experience of recovering has made the organization and its residents more resilient. “We’ve literally been through the fire together. I hope that it will continue to be a beacon of hope in the community.”

Residents will live alongside fellow service members as they transition to permanent housing. People interested in supporting the ongoing recovery efforts can donate on the HVAF website.