"Every new bed that opens with a program like this gives veterans a chance to get assistance with mental health and substance abuse issues, which are largely the underlying factors for most homeless veterans, addressed," said Peter H. Dougherty, director of homeless veterans programs for the Department of Veterans Affairs.

The VISTA (Veterans Integrated Services Training for Achievement) Center provides housing for 40 veterans, who can stay for up to two years. The Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation operates the facility, and contracts with Indianapolis's VA Hospital to provide treatment for substance use disorders and other health problems. A local veteran's services center supplies employment resources and other services.

Three of the center's six buildings have been renovated; the others will be done in August. The Hoosier Veterans Assistance Foundation will spend $1.3 million on the rehabilitation, using a $100,000 grant from Eli Lilly and Co. and HUD funds from the Indiana Housing Finance Authority. The center will cost about $500,000 annually to operate, which will be paid through grants, donations, and funds from the Department of Veterans Affairs.

"The homeless veteran problem is a serious issue in our community, as well as the entire country. It is unthinkable that these people who served their country so well do not have a place to call home. Lilly is proud to be involved in this project and is involved in several projects to help these men and women turn their lives around. The VISTA Center is much needed in this city. We know that it will make a major impact," said Jack Bailey, vice president, Business to Business at Lilly.

The VISTA Center is part of a national effort to end homelessness among veterans. There are now 5,000 transitional slots available for homeless veterans, and the VA hopes to have 10,000 by 2006.