Homes On Wheels Alliance (HOWA) and COVID-19

10/30/21 update

The US Center for Disease Control (CDC) published “What you need to know about Keeping Workplaces, Homes, Schools, or Commercial Establishments Safe.”  This is your go-to document for information to prevent the spread of a virus.

Recommendations for Nomads during spread of COVID-19

  • Follow Center for Disease Control (CDC) and other US Federal Government directions
    • Wash or sanitize hands regularly
    • Do not touch face
    • Disinfect high-use surfaces regularly
    • Stay at least 6-10 feet from others
    • Increase ventilation
    • Practice physical (aka social) distancing
    • If sick, self-isolate
  • If you need/want community, disperse camp with a group of other trusted nomads
  • If you elect to camp in a group:
    • Don’t go in each other’s rigs,
    • Don’t come into physical contact with each other or sit closer than 6 feet apart, and
    • Do practice daily check-ins with campmates.
  • Assure that where you or your group camps complies with local rules, both for the managers of the public land, as well as for any rules in place in response to the Coronavirus.
  • Select wide-open boondocking locations where you park a safe distance from one another within your camp, as well as establish a large span from other groups’ camps.
  • Ways to find a group of nomads to camp with:
  • Other best practices when dispersed camping
    • Reduce your exposure to the virus —
      • Don’t eat out, even no drive thrus,
      • Only go into town for necessities – trash, water, groceries, supplies,
      • Use store’s pick-up service for groceries and supplies, and
      • If in a group, select only one person drive into town for everyone.
    • Have a plan for when you get sick —
      • Know closest location to get medical help,
      • Have a month’s supply of medications,
      • Share your personal ID and emergency contact information with your campmates, and
      • Inform others where you have a Will and other end-of-life documents in your rig.
    • Use video conferencing, forums, Facebook, RVillage and social media to remain connected to others.

HOWA PROGRAM UPDATES

Nomad Emergency Fund

HOWA is assisting:

    • Nomads who are affected by COVID-19, AND
    • Whose employment income has been reduced due to social distancing, AND
    • Who need temporary assistance
  • For nomads in financial distress due to COVID, HOWA will provide up to $100  for groceries and supplies.
  • The efund will continue to support other nomad emergencies within its scope.
  • Apply for assistance at Efund@HomesOnWheelsAlliance.org
  • To contribute toward HOWA’s Emergency Fund to to assist nomads in need, go to http://HOWA.rallyup.com/efund

Minivan Build Outs

To avoid spreading COVID-19, HOWA cancelled the April 2020 Build Event.  Yet, we have continued to serve those on the edge of homelessness with No-Build Build Minivan Events since Fall 2020.  HOWA changed the Minivan Grant Program to require a minimum number of volunteers.  During the active pandemic, HOWA is offering doing No-Build Builds, using pre-made furnishing instead of building custom plywood shelves and bed.   And, instead of mounted solar panels, clients receive free-standing panels and power boxes.