INDIANAPOLIS - Community members are coming together to assist veterans after a fire devastated a resource center for veterans in downtown Indianapolis late last month. Now community members are coming together to assist the nonprofit, helping veterans and families with the burden of recovery. IFD battles fire at resource center for veterans in downtown Indianapolis The living situation for Army veteran Lance Patterson is currently being upgraded."I was at Fort Sill in Oklahoma, and also served in Korea, and also served at Fort Jackson,” he said.He hasn't always had a place to call home following his enlistment. "I went through a series of jobs after that, and ended up getting behind on the rent and having to vacate the premises," said Patterson.He said after couch surfing and staying at the shelter, he was connected with the group.“About one out of every 10 individuals experiencing homelessness in Indianapolis is a veteran,” said Emmy Hildebrand, CEO of HVAF of Indiana."I hadn't been homeless before, and I wasn't used to being in a situation where I had to turn to strangers,” said Patterson.Now with the help of local volunteers from Home Depot, they're working to thank vets like Patterson for his time served.“We probably have close to 50 people working throughout the day at both projects,” said Matt Rice with Home Depot.Two housing facilities are being renovated with new cabinets, windows and paint to make their house feel more like a home. Pat McAfee pledges matching donations after veteran resource center fire in downtown Indianapolis Patterson has three other roommates right now, but he is quickly on his way toward a permanent space he can call his own. “I feel like I'm in a good situation here, and I should be able to have my own apartment here shortly, so yeah I’m blessed,” he said. HVAF has its annual fundraiser, Operation Alpha, on Friday evening for others wanting to give back and help with recovery efforts following the fire. The 11th annual event will be at the Biltwell Event Center beginning at 6 p.m. If you’re interested in giving a monetary donation to HVAF, click here.