A massive fire broke out at a housing facility for homeless military veterans in the 900 block of North Pennsylvania Avenue late Saturday, displacing dozens of people who were being sheltered there.

The fire occurred at Helping Veterans and Families of Indiana Inc.'s Manchester Apartments, the nonprofit said in a statement issued Sunday afternoon. The facility serves as transitional housing for 48 homeless military veterans.

"For veterans struggling to return to self-sufficiency, the loss last night is unimaginable," the organization said in a statement. "We appreciate the support of our community as we work to rebuild and recover."

Indianapolis firefighters first responded to a general fire alarm at the location, near 10th Street and the Indianapolis Public Library downtown, around 9:35 p.m., the fire department said in a news release. Firefighters arrived to find a fire blazing on the second floor of the two-story structure, sending a red glow and smoke into the night sky.

Figures provided by the Indianapolis Fire Department indicated that 46 of the 51 occupants staying in the housing complex near the Col. Donald W. Moreau Sr. Veterans Community Center had been accounted for as of 3:40 a.m. Sunday. But HVAF said the apartments had 51 units and 48 residents, all of whom are now accounted. Three units were vacant.

IFD said in a news release that three homeless military veterans were transported to Eskenazi Hospital with slight injuries.

Homeless Military Veterans Face Threat of Displacement Following Fire

According to its website, HVAF of Indiana is the largest provider of comprehensive services for homeless military veterans. It also serves active duty, reserve, and national Guard members.

The HVAF provides housing to more than 150 veterans through 14 properties. The nonprofit also provides temporary housing, employment services and a pantry for homeless military veterans.

IFD said multiple units were dispatched to battle the fire. The department said people were inside the building and at least 18 had been removed by 10:06 p.m. It took three and a half hours to get the fire under control, according to the IFD. All of the accounted-for occupants are now in area hotels.

Read the full article about homeless veterans in Indiana by Alexandria Burris at IndyStar.