howa@homesonwheelsalliance.org

A Little Extra Help Needed

HOWA Emergency Fund Coordinator, Allecia, has been extra busy lately due to the coronvirus pandemic which brings unique challenges to nomads. The scope of the Emergency Fund was expanded recently to provide $100 awards for applicants who unexpectedly find themselves short on cash because of COVID-19 related circumstances. The following is a letter of thanks from an emergency fund recipient.

“Hi there, here is a testimonial for you guys. Thanks again for the help! I have been on the road for a couple of years after learning of the nomadic lifestyle through the help of Bob’s Cheap RV Living YouTube channel. I contacted HOWA in the spring of 2020 for emergency gas assistance after being unable to work for several months due to Covid 19.  They responded quickly and I gave them all my required info. In a few days was approved for a $100 compassion award.  This was a huge lifesaver, which helped me find other options for work. Unfortunately, due to the length of time being out of work my emergency fund was tapped. Sure enough my transmission blew the first month of me getting back to work.  Without many options I reached out to HOWA and they were able to award me with another compassion award which I used to pay down the loan I took to cover the costs. I look forward to giving this help back soon and volunteering at any future HOWA events. Thanks so much HOWA for the work you do in our community!”   Dave

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Win a Nomad Trailer by WeeRoll!

November 12, 2020 is the last day to get your sweepstakes tckets! Don’t miss the deadline! The drawing for a winner will be on November 18, 2020.

Nomad Trailer by WeeRoll is 6 x 10 x 6′ and is move-in ready — Insulated, two windows, side door, back barn doors, 110v ready(see full description below).  Furnish this trailer and you’ll be ready for a life on the road!

Important: The winner must pick the trailer up in Georgia by November 30th. You do not need to be present to win. But, you must complete the required paperwork to assure your eligibility to win and pick up your prize by November 30, 2020 in Georgia. No purchase necessary to win.

Thank you WeeRoll for donating the trailer for this fundraising effort.  And thank you ticket purchasers for your support of HOWA.  By working together, we are changing lives, building community, and preventing homelessness one person at a time!

Click here for more information: https://howa.rallyup.com/weeroll

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Join a Virtual Caravan!

 

The first nomadic caravans were started in late 2018 by Bob Wells, the president of HOWA and founder of Cheap RV Living. Watch Bob’s Video HERE.

 “The time has finally come! I’ve laid out all the plans and have leaders in place: THE CARAVANS ARE HERE!!! Yes, starting on October 31 you can join a group of people and travel with them through the RTR! The rules are very simple; 1) We must move every 14 days. 2) We must leave each place cleaner than we found it. 3) We must treat each other with kindness, compassion and caring (treating others the way we want to be treated). 4) We must each come prepared to be fully self-sustaining and able to take care of ourselves.”

The Caravans proved to be very popular with as many as eight caravan gatherings taking place in different locations at the same time. Groups were kept small to avoid overcrowding the locations. For many new nomads, this was their first experience at boondocking on public land and the camaraderie of the group helped them to feel secure and to learn the basics of their new lifestyle.  Friendships were formed and as their confidence grew people began to form their own groups separate from the Caravans which freed spots for newer nomads.

  Early in 2019 HOWA became the sponsor of the Caravans and began utilizing  Meetup as an easy to use platform to organize the Caravans, to keep track of the number of participants, and to allow members to chat with each other.

  The outbreak of coronavirus in the US meant an end to in-person gatherings but not a complete end to gatherings. After a little brainstorming by the HOWA management team, the Virtual Caravans were born! By using Zoom, a video communications service, Virtual Caravan participants are able to interact on a more personal level than is possible through other types of social media. The first Virtual Caravan was held on March 30, 2020 and they will continue to be held until it is safe to gather together again. 

  Virtual Caravans are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. A women’s only Virtual Caravan is held on Sunday morning and Virtual Caravan Classes are held on Saturday mornings. The Virtual Caravans use both Meetup and Zoom so participants must sign up for Zoom and Meetup.

 

 Attendance is limited to 100 people and participants must RSVP before the meetings begin. Everyone is welcome. Attendees include long time nomads, new nomads, part-time nomads, and future nomads. Although it’s not the same as attending an in-person Caravan, the Virtual Caravans have become a wonderful way for nomads to meet. Friendships are formed and plans are made to gather together in the future. We welcome you to join one of the next Virtual Caravans!  More information HERE.

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Win an eBike!

    Update: A live drawing was held on Sep 16, 2020. Darcy Irvin and Eric Fritchin were the eBike winners. Congratulations to both of the winners!

Thank you to all who donated and raised $7,540.00 for HOWA’s programs!

Thank you to Lectric eBikes for donating two Off-Road Electric Bicycles to support the work and mission of Homes On Wheels Alliance.  We are excited to form this partnership to assist members in need within the mobile community. We’ll have two drawings, one for each bike on Sept 16th during Bob Wells’ Live Feed. Plan to join us there!

The XP is your gateway to adventure. The 500W motor allows you to cruise at speeds up to 28MPH and conquer any hill in your path. The bike is powered by a high-performance LG battery that will reach ranges of 25-50 miles. Comes standard with a rack and fenders for all your adventuring. Front and rear lights come integrated into the bike’s control system ensuring a safe riding experience. Up front, a centrally mounted LCD computer display shows battery level, current speed, pedal assist level, and trip distance. The plush seat, adjustable handlebars, and ergonomic grips make for a comfortable ride all day long. The 4″ anti-puncture tires provide comfort and stability on road as well as traction and control off-road. The bike can fold down to a fraction of its size so it can be easily transported with you.

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HOWA’s YouTube Channel

The first video on HOWA’s channel was posted on September 27, 2019 to celebrate the 1st birthday of HOWA and to document the presentation of a minivan to the first recipient.  What a fun day!

  Since then videos have been made to share the WRTR and RTR seminars and experiences with people who could not be there in person. The latest videos are recordings of Virtual Caravan Classes that cover a range of topics such as boondocking and eating healthy.

 Check them out here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCi2WjYQPAEdDw-eEGgtni5A/videos  Please consider joining and leaving comments about what you like and what you want to see in the future. Don’t forget to give a thumbs up to the videos that you enjoyed watching!

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A Huge Thank You to all of the WRTR and RTR Volunteers

The WRTR and RTR could not happen without the team of volunteers who gladly contribute their time to keep everything running smoothly. Volunteers help with assembling the shade canopies; manning the tables for name buttons, tee shirts, first aid, media, free pile, and information; directing traffic; presenting seminars; providing entertainment; and doing the final break-down and cleanup.

The job comes with a few perks – parking close to the action and a barbecue lunch on the last day – prepared and served by volunteers! If you would like to volunteer fill out the form HERE.

We are all hoping that it will be safe to have large gatherings next year and the tradition of the RTR and the WRTR will continue in January of 2021!

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