775-764-8115
HomesOnWheelsAlliance@gmail.com

Emergency Fund

A Helping Hand

The Emergency Fund team reviews many requests and when it’s not possible to grant money for large repairs a compassion fund is often awarded to provide help in a smaller way. The following is a heartfelt letter of thanks from John.
“One of the big lessons I’ve learned from being nearly four years on the road is this: Even when things get lonely out there, we are never truly alone. In some mysterious way, we are all connected.

Recently, on a trip to visit family, I encountered a series of mechanical problems in my “new” old van. The repair bills ate through my savings and left me in debt. Not since my heart surgery more than four years earlier had things seemed so bleak.

Fortunately, friends and family came through for me. I now include HOWA as part of friends and family. They found a way to help me out with a small “compassionate” grant.

See? We’re never alone. We’re all in this together, and HOWA is part of that. Looking forward to seeing you all back on the road.

John

Apprentice Wise Elder”

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Fifty Nomads Helped

Since the creation of the Emergency Fund in August 2019, HOWA has distributed over $13,000 to more than 50 nomads. Emergency awards covered everything from money to buy a warm winter coat to funds for major mechanical repairs. Laurie expressed her appreciation in an email to the Emergency Fund staff.

 “Homes on Wheels Alliance helped me tremendously when I had an emergency 1000 miles away from my regular home on wheels region of the country. 
As a full time nomad, with post 911 medical lung complication, I had driven a thousand miles away quickly to flee the California wildfire smoke & fires in early fall 2020. 
This unexpected two thousand mile round trip fuel cost left me in a serious bind since I have a small fixed income that covers only basic necessities. The good news is that my asthma attacks stopped when I got away from the thick smoke though I tended up stuck in a place with none of my regular resources or familiarity because I ran out of fuel. 
In addition I needed to receive specialized medical help & continuity of care that included an asthmatic equipment pick up back at my regular mail center. 
The process for applying to the fund was streamlined, professional and kind. I was able to upload various verifications and await positive news that I had been awarded a small grant that because of online delivery method – I was able to access immediately.
Larger than life this support was to me because I was going be able to get out of the Western slope of the Rockies before the next round of cold and snow came for which me nor my van was prepared for.

I will never forget how this non profit organization came through for me in one of my biggest times of need – the CA wildfires. 
I will spread the word to people who need a wonderful place to donate in order to keep this emergency fun running. This is the real deal! 
Thank you HOWA💗”
Laurie P. 

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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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Emergency Gas Money

Another great testimonial from a nomad who used the emergency fund.
We are so happy that you were able to find us in your time of need.

“Due to some minor bad luck I was in the middle of the month with zero dollars. I met a friend who let me know about the Homes on Wheels Alliance and their emergency fund to help nomads stay out of bad situations. I contacted them and requested $50.00 for gas money for heat because I am in a very cold place up north and within a few days I had the money in my paypal account. If you’re a nomad get involved with these folks. It’s a smart idea to have friends. Good luck and happy travels. May  kindness and goodness meet you every step of the way.”

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Emergency Van Repairs

 Charlene contacted HOWA for assistance with repairs to her van. After supplying all of the necessary information to Charmaine of HOWA her request was approved. Nick DeCarlo of DeCarlo Auto Pros in Show Low Arizona worked with Charlene to make repairs so that her van was roadworthy and she was quickly able to be back on the road.

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A success story from the Nomad Emergency Fund

A request for assistance:

I’m 68, a f/t nomad for 6 yrs. presently in Santa Fe, NM. Three weeks ago I spent my emergency funds/savings of $1000. on getting my van fixed, I was down for 2 weeks. Attached is the labor bill, I tried to fix it myself and spent 400 dollars on replacing parts (it ended up as a bad electrical connection). Then I had a medical emergency last Friday.

The prostate operation I had a week ago started hemorrhaging and I drove myself to ER. They put a catheter in and let me go. I went to my surgeon’s office across the parking lot and blacked out in his office (shock from losing so much blood), I woke up back in ER (amb) and was admitted. That afternoon, I was back in surgery. I’m doing well now.

I have a specialist Dr. appt on Aug 21 in Albuquerque and I’m afraid of driving that distance b/c when I had the mech. problem, they told me how bad my tires are (I have no spare). Therefore, I’m requesting financial assistance to replace my tires. I’ve exhausted my financial resources and have no family to help. I hope that you are able to assist me.

Assistance prvided:

Dear Charmaine, 

 
     Thanks to you, Bob, Suanne, HOWA, Phyllis, and the lady who first took my phone call, I’m sorry I can’t recall your name, KC, and of course, the generous donation person!
 
     I have the new tires installed and made it to my Doctor’s appt in Albuquerque, NM and back safely. 
 
     I will be traveling to Ehrenberg area the end of Sept to join the caravans for the winter. Looking forward to volunteering at the RTR. See you then.
 
Sincerely,

J

 
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Together we are changing lives, preventing homelessness, and building community.

We believe that through an “alliance” consisting of financial and social resources we can assist those who wish to remain productive, contributing citizens while preserving their independence, self-sufficiency and dignity.

HOMES ON WHEELS ALLIANCE, INC. 1970 N. Leslie Street Box 297 Pahrump, NV 89060 USA

Tel: 775.764.8115,  www.homesonwheelsalliance.org, is a 501(c)3 charitable organization registered with the Nevada Secretary of State, pursuant to Title NRA 82A.200. Its purpose is to assist seniors and the working poor with securing unconventional housing as shelter. Contributions may be tax deductible pursuant to provisions of Sec. 170(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, 26 U.S.C.§170(c).

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