Carpenter Job Description 

Reports To: Assistant Build Supervisor. 

Job Overview:  At Build Site Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, for one or two full weeks, October 3-28, 2022. Completes assigned Build Projects following project scope, safety, and HOWA’s standards and philosophy. May request additional supplies beyond the original supply list. Meet with your Assistant Build Supervisor during the day to discuss project progress and solutions. 

Responsibilities and Duties 

• Timely completion of assigned projects with an eye on safety, build quality, and scope of project. 
• Plan and design project to suit the needs of the Recipient while staying within project scope. 
• Work with Assistant Build Supervisor and Build Supervisor on design and any additional supplies needed for the successful completion of the project. Any additional supplies will need the Build Supervisor’s approval. 

Qualifications 

• Well-rounded in construction/building skills with attention to safety and quality. 
• Experience designing and building simple cabinetry, i.e., flooring, bed frame and shelving, and insulation and paneling insulation on roof, doors and walls of vehicle. 

Carpenter (for Transit Connect Fundraiser) Job Description 

Reports To: Assistant Build Supervisor. 

Job Overview:  At Build Site Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, for two full weeks, October 17-28, 2022.  Installs floor, insulation (walls, doors, ceiling), ceiling vent, and builds bed and shelves from a kit.

Responsibilities and Duties 

• Timely completion of assigned projects with an eye on safety and build quality. 
• Work with Assistant Build Supervisor and Build Supervisor on design and any additional supplies needed for the successful completion of the project. Any additional supplies will need the Build Supervisor’s approval. 

Qualifications 

• Well-rounded in construction/building skills with attention to safety and quality. 
• Experience designing and building simple cabinetry, i.e., flooring, bed frame and shelving, and insulation and paneling insulation on roof, doors and walls of vehicle. 

Electrician Job Description 

Reports To: Assistant Build Supervisor. 

Job Overview:  At Build Site Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, for one or two full weeks, October 3-28, 2022. Completes assigned Build Projects following project scope, safety, and HOWA’s standards and philosophy. May request additional supplies beyond the original supply list. Meet with your Assistant Build Supervisor during the day to discuss project progress and solutions. 

Responsibilities and Duties 

• Timely completion of assigned projects with an eye on safety, build quality, and scope of project. 
• Plan and design project to suit the needs of the Recipient while staying within project scope. 
• Work with Assistant Build Supervisor and Build Supervisor on design and any additional supplies needed for the successful completion of the project. Any additional supplies will need the Build Supervisor’s approval. 

Qualifications 

• Well-rounded in construction/building skills with attention to safety and quality. 
• Experience in creating and installing a solar power system and installing a roof vent or 12v fan

Handy Persons (Roadtrek) Job Description

Reports To: Assistant Build Supervisor. 

Job Overview:  

• At Build Site Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, for two full weeks, October 3-14, 2022.
• Prepare a donated 2002 Roadtrek 190-Popular* for a Recipient arriving October 17.  Interior repairs include the visors and headliner, driver’s door weather stripping, cabinet door, carpet repair, and replacing two missing Reflectix window coverings.  Exterior repairs include fiberglass running board, tank valve replacement, and preparation for paint.  Take to Walmart for a new set of tires.  It may need a new starter battery.  In early August, the Roadtrek passed a pre-purchase mechanical inspection with flying colors.  
•  Assure that HOWA’s standards and philosophy are maintained.
• Meet with your Assistant Build Supervisor during the day to discuss project progress and solutions. 

Responsibilities and Duties 

• Timely completion of assigned projects with an eye on safety, build quality, and scope of project. 
• Plan and design project to suit the needs of the Recipient while staying within project scope. 
• Work with Assistant Build Supervisor and Build Supervisor on design and any additional supplies needed for the successful completion of the project. Any additional supplies will need the Build Supervisor’s approval. 

Qualifications 

• Well-rounded in using Reflectix to create window covers, with attention to safety and quality. 
• Experience in creating and installing pressure-fit Reflectix on windows for privacy and heat reflection.

*Information about the Roadtrek

• 2002 Roadtrek, 190-Popular
• Donated by Robert May of Las Vegas
• Dodge Ram B3500 Van
• 8 cyl., 5.2L EFI
• 4-Speed Automatic
• less than 16,500 miles
• Passed mechanical inspection indicating tires are the only problem
• Needs exterior paint, tires, and minor interior repairs
• Interior in mostly good condition
• New microwave, refrigerator, and stove
• 200W solar, 100ah lithium battery, 1200W inverter
• No Toilet connected to Black Tank
• Hassock Toilet Provided instead (photo attached)
• Also comes with a Little Buddy Propane Heater and a small 110V Electric Heater
• RV Tanks:  32 gallon fresh water; 6 gallon hot water; 24 gallon grey tank; 30 gallon propane tank; (unused 10 gallon black tank)
• Includes a hitch rack, extendable ladder, and tire covers
• Includes documentation for RV systems and the Van

Window Cover Installer Job Description 

Reports To: Assistant Build Supervisor. 

Job Overview:  At Build Site Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, for one or two full weeks, October 3-28, 2022. Completes assigned Build Projects following project scope, safety, and HOWA’s standards and philosophy are maintained. May request additional supplies beyond the original supply list. Meet with your Assistant Build Supervisor during the day to discuss project progress and solutions. 

Responsibilities and Duties 

• Timely completion of assigned projects with an eye on safety, build quality, and scope of project. 
• Plan and design project to suit the needs of the Recipient while staying within project scope. 
• Work with Assistant Build Supervisor and Build Supervisor on design and any additional supplies needed for the successful completion of the project. Any additional supplies will need the Build Supervisor’s approval. 

Qualifications 

• Experience creating and installing pressure-fitted Reflectix window coverings.

Assistant Build Supervisor Job Description 

Reports To: Build Supervisor, Glen. 

Job Overview:  At Build Site Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, October 3-28, 2022. Manage assigned Build Teams to ensure project scope, safety, and HOWA’s standards and philosophy are maintained. Meet with Build Supervisor daily to discuss project progress, and concerns, and offer possible solutions. 

Responsibilities and Duties 

• Monitor all assigned Build Projects with an eye on safety, quality, and scope. 
• Demonstrate, when necessary, how to be more efficient, accurate, or safe. Share knowledge in a modest and non-bearing way, you will be working with both construction and solar professionals and novices. 

Qualifications 

• Well-rounded in solar power, construction, and building skills with attention to safety and quality. 
• Experience in creating and installing a solar system, installing roof vent, designing and building simple cabinetry, and installing insulation and paneling on roof and walls of a van and/or RV. 

Bookkeeper Job Description 

Reports To: Manager, Bobbi 

Job Overview:  May volunteer remotely or in-person — before the October Event for training, during the October Event, then completing within one week after the Event.  Records expenses and maintains receipts.

Responsibilities and Duties 

• Executive Assistant Phyllis will train
• Record expenses for the Event, and by each Recipient’s Build Project
• Maintain receipts
• Other duties as assigned
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications 

• Experience with MS Excel
• Experience with MS Word
• Experience with general record keeping processes
• Experience with Zoom, preferred
• Experience with Slack, preferred

Inventory Job Description 

Reports To: Manager, Bobbi 

Job Overview:  At Build Site Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, October 2022.   Manage, organize, and track inventory items for both the Build Event, as well as each of the Build Projects.  Receive and open packages of ordered items for the event and projects.  Take inventory at the end of the event.  May be a team of two or more volunteers.

Responsibilities and Duties 

• Work closely with the Build Supervisor Glen to assure consistency with the each Build Project’s Pick List and the final Build Project’s Materials List.
• Track, organize, check-in/out inventory for:
  • The Build Event (canopies, tables, generator, tools, etc.).
  • Each Build Project (solar components, lumber, plywood, hardware, insulation, etc.).
• Receive, open, and physically organize many packages shipped to the Build Site for the BYOV Event.
  • Ordered by donors from the Amazon Charity List (you will have access to HOWA’s Amazon back-end Charity List Info).
  • Ordered by staff from various vendors shipped or brought from local purchase.
  • Work with Bobbi, BYOV Manager and Glen, Build Supervisor to re-order items as necessary.
• Organize items received by Build Project, both physically in the storage unit, and electronically on the spreadsheet.
• At the end of the event. Inventory items remaining in the HOWA storage unit.
• Coordinate with the Tear-Down Crew to inventory all items to be stored at the end of the event.

Qualifications 

• Good verbal and written skills
• Experience with MS Excel
• Experience with Slack, preferred
• Experience managing physical inventory on site and electronically, preferred
• Able to stand and move for long periods

Camp Host Job Description 

Reports To: Assistant Manager, Ronda

Job Overview:  At BYOV-Participant Camp Saturday-Friday, 7:30am-4:30pm, for one or two full weeks, between October 3-28, 2022.  

Responsibilities and Duties 

• Work closely with HOWA staff and volunteers
• Follow BLM guidelines for casual camping
  • Example: No signs advertising any gathering times for meals or games
• Welcome Recipients
• Help create an inclusive, kind, and casual camping environment
• Look out for the of the Recipients’ well being
• Help Recipients know where or how to find services in Pahrump (water, trash, shower, shopping, etc)
• Assist with SpringBar Tent set up for the recipients
  • Use tarp as ground cover under the tent https://youtu.be/u8dE3LsP0cc
• Provide physical assistance helping Recipients empty their rigs prior to their afternoon planning session (typically Monday or Wednesday mornings)
• Remain in camp from 7:30am-5:30pm to watch Recipients’ property on Tues & Thurs
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications 

• Good vision and situational awareness
• Good people skills, welcoming, willingness to lend a hand where needed
• Knowledge of Pahrump from a Nomad’s perspective Knowledge of BYOV event

Pet Sitter Job Description 

Reports To: Assistant Manager, Ronda

Job Overview:  At BYOV-Participant Camp Monday-Friday, 7:30am-5:30pm, for one or two full weeks, between October 3-28, 2022. Recipients and volunteers may need pet sitting services as pets are not allowed in the construction areas of the Build Site. For Recipients, Mondays and Wednesday are typically half days, Tuesdays and Thursdays are full days.  For Volunteers, Monday-Friday are full days. Pets may be watched at the BYOV-Participant Camp, or at the local Dog Park, as agreed upon with the Owner.  Only behaved pets will be offered pet sitting services by volunteers.

Responsibilities and Duties 

• Work closely with HOWA staff and volunteers
• Follow BLM guidelines for pets
  • Example: Pets must be on leash and under full control
• Look out for the of the pet’s well being.
• Feed, water and walk the pet.
• Remain in camp from 7:30am-5:30pm to watch Recipients’ pets.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications 

• Good vision and situational awareness.
• Good people and pet skills, welcoming.

Hospitality Job Description 

Reports To: Assistant Manager, Ronda 

Job Overview:  At Build Site Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:30pm, for one or two full weeks, October 3-28, 2022.  Provides a friendly place for BYOV participants to gather for meetings, breaks and lunches.  Provides water, coffee, and snack foods.  Keeps a clean environment.  Helps with morning & afternoon set-up & tear down activities.

Responsibilities and Duties 

• Works closely with HOWA staff and other volunteers
• First thing upon arrival, start coffee and fill air pots for 8am crowd
• Helps with daily set-up and taking down of the awning covers
• Carries food and drink items from storage to the Hospitality space
• Helps create an atmosphere of inclusion and kindness
• Creates and maintains enjoyable food displays
• Keeps heavily touched surfaces sanitized (water spigot handle, coffee pot handle)
• On last day: tear-down, inventory, and store hospitality items
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications 

• Hosting skills — friendly, attentive, inclusive
• Pets allowed if leashed, quiet and settled; not a tripping hazard

Media Job Description 

Reports To: Executive Director, Suanne

Job Overview:  At Build Site Monday-Friday, October 3-28, 2022.  One or more volunteers to provide media services — photography, videography, video editing, press releases, blog posts, and social media posts & responses.   Media will wear an identifier so that all participants know your purpose at the Build Site and at the BYOV-Participant Camp.  Help create and follow a publishing schedule.

Responsibilities and Duties 

For one or more volunteers —

• While gathering content (video/photographs/interviews), be as unobtrusive as possible.  For safety, avoid interfering within the construction zones
• For videography and video editing, follow the style of the videos from the Spring 2022 BYOV (https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLG-6Z1lArG_AzqRv3Pgpr96j2Sc1l9Ow)
• For photography, provide action shots of the work and the relationships among participants at the Build Site and at the BYOV-Participant Camp
• To post videos on YouTube or Facebook, get written content from Suanne and combine with the latest BYOV photos.
• To write blog posts for the HOWA web site, write the content and use the latest BYOV photos

Qualifications 

• Experience as a photographer, videographer, or video editor, OR
• Experience writing articles, OR
• Experience writing press releases.
• Equipment and Connectivity
  • camera (we use our phones)
  • tripod w/rigging helpful (may borrow HOWA’s if available)
  • computer
  • Internet access
  • data (or use staff’s wifi)

. 

Runner & Build-Site Steward Job Description 

Reports To: Manager, Bobbi 

Job Overview:  At Build Site Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:30pm, for one or two full weeks, October 3-28, 2022.  Runs errands.  Assures Build Site remains in good condition.  Helps with morning & afternoon set-up & tear down activities.

Responsibilities and Duties 

• Works closely with HOWA staff and other volunteers
• Helps put up awning covers in morning, then take down in afternoon
• Makes runs to local stores to pick up supplies, materials, hospitality items, etc
• Assures that the Build Site remains trash-free and porta potty is sufficiently stocked
• Makes runs to the landfill to dispose of garbage and build debris, as needed (hitch tray is a handy tool for that task but not required)
• Help builders put away tools/clean up at the end of the day
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications 

• Able to stand and walk for long periods of time
• Valid Driver’s License – May need to drive a small HOWA car for errands

Safety & First Aid Job Description 

Reports To: Manager, Bobbi 

Job Overview:  At Build Site Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm, for one or two full weeks, October 3-28, 2022.  Regularly monitors and acts on behalf of BYOV participants’  health and safety.  Provides first aid and referrals, as needed.

Responsibilities and Duties 

• Works closely with HOWA staff and other volunteers
• Looks out for the of the well-being of all on site
• Takes an active role to encourage a safe build site
• Regularly moves through and monitors the site
• Guides Build Team Members to utilize PPE when needed — eyewear, face masks, gloves, braces/pads
• Identifies and removes safety hazards/behaviors — tripping, ladder placement, heat exhaustion, loose clothing, lifting techniques
• Encourages participants to drink sufficient water to avoid dehydration
• Provides first aid as needed
• Refers to other medical or psychological services as needed
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications 

• Experience and formal training in first aide, EMT, nursing, etc.
• Knowledge of when to call 911
• Knowledge of appropriate referral resources
• Defibrillator knowledge/experience, preferred

Security Job Description 

Reports To: Assistant Manager, Ronda

Job Overview:  Over-nights alone to keep watching over the Build Site Monday 8:30am – Monday 8:30am, for one or two full weeks, October 3-28, 2022.  Primary concern is for the safe keeping of property (tools, canopies, tables, supplies, etc.).  Assists with putting canopies covers up between 7:30-8am.

 Responsibilities and Duties 

• Request that violators change their behavior, do not enforce
• If non-emergency need for law enforcement (e.g. dog fight), call local dispatch at (775) 751-7000
• If emergency or enforcement or action is needed (e.g. a physical fight among people), call 911
• Bring bright flashlight for overnight walk throughs, after sunset, and before sunrise

Qualifications 

• Communicates effectively, orally and in writing
• Comfortable camping alone
• Past experience in security preferred
• Observant
• Anticipates next steps
• Able to address violators clearly, authoritatively, and kindly

Mentor Job Description 

Reports To: Manager, Bobbi

Job Overview:  For two weeks, October 17-28, provide mentorship for a new nomad Recipient of a 2002 Roadtrek Class B RV.  Help them learn how to be a successful nomad.

Responsibilities and Duties 

• Use provided Learning Outcomes to facilitate the mentoring, go to https://homesonwheelsalliance.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Learning-Outcomes-Sept-2020-161.pdf
• Help the Recipient learn the basics, and understand their next steps to keep learning how to be successful in the mobile lifestyle.
• May drive the Roadtrek on behalf of the Recipient

Qualifications 

• Experience as a successful nomad.
• Experience teaching or mentoring.
• Experience with a Class B RV.
• Experience with a Roadtrek preferred.
• Current Drivers License

Parking Attendants Job Description 

Reports To: Parking Attendant Lead

Job Overview:  At Build Site location.  For the Open House on Friday, October 28 afternoon. 

Responsibilities and Duties 

• Work closely with HOWA Staff and Volunteers
• Direct drivers to parking spaces and the exit.
• Direct pedestrians away from the lanes of traffic

Qualifications 

• Able to provide directions with hand/arm signals and verbally
• Able to stand and walk for long periods of time

Parking Lead Job Description 

Reports To: Manager, Bobbi

Job Overview:  At Build Site location.  For the Open House on Friday, October 28 afternoon.  Preparation will begin days before.

Responsibilities and Duties 

• Work closely with HOWA Staff and Volunteers
• Knowledgeable in assessing event space parking and for displaying vehicles for show
  • Approximately 10-20 vehicles for show
  • Approximate parking for 50 guests
  • Variety of vehicle sizes expected (Car, Truck, RV, Bus, etc)
• Comfortable leading a team of volunteers to manage traffic and parking
• Creating a plan for signage for event parking
• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications 

• Experience coordinating a Parking Plan for a Car Show type of event
• Experience leading volunteers preferred
• Able to stand and walk for long periods of time

Set-up and Tear-down Job Description 

Reports To: Manager, Bobbi

Job Overview:  At Build Site.  Set-up is on Sunday, October 2, 8am-5pm.  Tear down is on Saturday, October 29, 8am-5pm

Responsibilities and Duties 

• Work closely with Bobbi, BYOV Manager, and Ronda, Assistant Manager
• Set-Up
  • Set up as many as 12 Canopies
  • Place large items & small appliances in Hospitality Area
  • Test generator for good operation
  • Place tables, sawhorses, etc.
  • Signage (parking, build stations, hospitality, covid, about HOWA, safety info, etc.)
• Tear-Down
  • Take down tables, sawhorses, canopies, tent
  • Take down the HOWA signs and roll, store in a way that preserves them for future use.
  • Make final run to the Dump
  • Work with Inventory Control Volunteer to account for all items
  • Organize Storage Areas

Qualifications 

• Able to stand and walk for long periods of time.
• Physically able to lift 50 lbs. and be physically active all day
• Ask for assistance if an item is heavier than 50 lbs

Transporter Job Description 

Reports To: HOWA’s Executive Assistant, Phyllis 

Job Overview:  Transport 2022 Ford Transit Connect Cargo Van from BYOV Build Site in Pahrump, NV to Fiberine near Long Beach, CA, arriving by at 8am Friday, October 14.  After installation, return Transit Connect to BYOV Build Site.  HOWA will cover transport-related expenses.

Responsibilities and Duties 

• Safety driving. 
• Work with Executive Assistant and Executive Director on transport details and insurance coverage. 

Qualifications 

• A valid driver’s license.
• Safe driving record.
• Signed permission to drive the HOWA vehicle.
• Experience transporting vehicles or driving a Transit Connect Cargo Van preferred

Trash Pick-Up Job Description 

Reports To: HOWA’s Executive Assistant, Phyllis 

Job Overview:  Clean up the Pahrump Desert in partnership with the BLM Field Office, who provides the dumpster.  Trash bags provided by HOWA.  Just show up; no need to sign up.

Responsibilities and Duties 

• On Saturdays: October 8, 15, 23, and 29
• Meet at 8am
• At Basin and Higley (aka Justin) by the dumpster
• Do not handle toxic or dangerous items; send GPS location to Phyllis.

Qualifications 

• Able to stand and walk for a long period of time.
• Wear gloves and close-toed shoes.
• Wear hat and sunscreen.
• Bring water to drink.
• Picker tool, preferred.
• If you have a pick-up truck to haul bags to the dumpster, preferred.

Bring Your Own Vehicle

Cheryl: Spring 2022 Recipient.

A person who applied, was interviewed, then selected to receive one or more Build Projects for their home on wheels.  Recipients are unable to afford the improvements themselves, neither the labor nor the materials.  Recipients remain in Pahrump for the full month of October.  Recipients are the reason for the BYOV and all the volunteers who gather to make it happen.

GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL FROM BUILD EVENTS

Preamble
Homes On Wheels Alliance, Inc. (HOWA) strives to facilitate efficient Build Events in alignment with our Mission to serve those most in need, grounded in a community of care and compassion. Build Event Recipients have overwhelmingly demonstrated honest, responsive, and kind behaviors. However, a Recipient will be dismissed from participation or planned participation in a Build Event if the Recipient engages in certain problematic behaviors. This “Grounds for Dismissal from Build Events” policy outlines the conditions for such dismissals.

Grounds for Dismissal

If HOWA management determines a Recipient has demonstrated any of the below behaviors, that Recipient will be immediately dismissed from that Build Event or from participating in a planned Build Event:

1. Recipient violates or undermines the mission of HOWA;
2. Recipient is found to have provided false, misleading, or incomplete information to HOWA that HOWA relied on in selecting the Recipient for a Build Grant;
3. Recipient disrupts the activities of the Build Event; or
4. Recipient places other Build Event Participants at risk.

Examples

Examples of grounds for dismissal, include but are not limited to:

• Recipient’s vehicle not sufficiently emptied in time for either their Planning Session or their Build Slot(s).
• Recipient is unresponsive to communications.
• Recipient does not accurately disclose financial and other resources available to Recipient.
• Recipient does not show up at scheduled appointment time or is significantly late.
• Recipient’s pet is aggressive toward people or other animals, on leash or off leash.
• Recipient has a contagious condition that puts others at risk.
• Recipient participates in sexual or physical harassment in their jokes, words, or actions.
• Recipient violates the stated rules or boundaries of the Build Event.

 After Dismissal

If at the time of dismissal, the Recipient was already granted a full or partial installation at that Build Event, then the Recipient must remove and return all previously granted supplies and
materials within one week of dismissal. The supplies and materials must be returned in good
condition at a mutually agreed upon time at the Build Event location.

Volunteers at HOWA first Build, Summer 2019.

A person who gives from the heart for the benefit of Recipients to improve their quality of life.  Most volunteers work for one week at a time during the BYOV.  Volunteers in leadership positions work before, during, and after the month-long BYOV Build Event.  Care and compassion are hallmarks of the HOWA community’s volunteers.  Other than small tokens of gratitude, they receive no compensation.  Volunteer sign-ups begin during the second week of August 2022.

Recipient Aimee thanking her Build Team members, Diane and Anya, during a Friday Thank You Lunch at the Spring 2022 BYOV.

Pizza was provided for Friday’s lunches last Spring.  Recipients, Staff and Trustees come together to thank that week’s BYOV Volunteers.  This is a time to honor those who make the BYOV possible – the Builders, Solar Installers, First Aid, Hospitality, Inventory, Runners, Safety, Security, etc.  Volunteers are the heart of HOWA!

Recipient Elizabeth installing her 12v Fan at the Spring 2022 BYOV.

A well-defined improvement to a Recipient’s living space, selected from a list of options.  Recipients may apply for and receive more than one Build Project.  Here are the descriptions of Build Project options:

• 100w Solar Power System:  A portable power station and a 100W suitcase panel.  (.5 Build Slot)
• 200w Solar Power System with a PORTABLE SUITCASE panel:  Components installed inside the vehicle include a 100ah battery, charge controller, inverter, and 12v fuse block.  The solar panel is stored inside, then set out during the day on 20’ wires. (1 Build Slot)
• 200w Solar Power System with a ROOF-MOUNTED panel:  Components installed inside the vehicle include a 100ah battery, charge controller, inverter, 12v fuse block.  Two 100W solar panels and gland box to cover the hole to bring the wires inside to the charge controller.  Required space on the roof is 4’x5’.  (2 Build Slots)
• Insulation for Walls and Doors:  EPS or Polyiso insulation, covered with a panel (white, plastic/fiberglass).  (3 Build Slots for most vehicles)
• Insulation for Ceiling:  EPS or Polyiso insulation, covered with a panel (white, plastic/fiberglass). (1 Build Slot)
• Ceiling Vent:  A framed-out and screened hole in the ceiling, allowing for air flow.  The vent has a cover to adjust up or down. Requires a 16″x16″ space on ceiling and roof.  (1 Build Slot)
• 12v Ceiling Fan:  A framed-out and screened hole in the ceiling with a 12v fan, allowing for air flow.  The vent has a cover to adjust up or down.  The Recipient must have an open slot on their 12v fuse block to run a wire to the fan. Requires an 18″x20″ space on ceiling and roof, with 18″ to the front/back. (1 Build Slot)
• Floor:  Single level plywood deck covered in sheet vinyl.  Edges at doors are trimmed out.  (1 Build Slot)
• Bed:  Plywood (unfinished) platform bed on lumber legs.  (1 Build Slot)
• Shelves:  Plywood (unfinished) shelves with lip on lumber legs.  (1 Build Slot)
• Reflectix Window Covering:  Reflectix cut to pressure fit windows for heat reflections and privacy.  (.5 Build Slot)

Installing a floor is an example of a Build Project taking one Build Slot.

Typically covers 3 days.

1. The afternoon of Day 1 is for signing off on the Scope of Work and making the plan to complete the Build Project.
2. From 8am-5pm on Day 2 is dedicated to complete the Build Project.
3. The morning of Day 3 is to finalize any loose ends and sign-off on completion.

Most Build Projects take one Build Slot.  A few Build Projects take more time, and a few take less.

Elizabeth and her Build Team Volunteers. Spring 2022 BYOV Open House.

Two skilled Volunteers and the Recipient.  To the best of their abilities, the Recipient is active in their own Build Project(s).  All three members of the Build Team are safety conscious, including wearing close-toed shoes and eye projection.

A plywood bed with 2″x4″ lumber legs is an example of a well-defined Scope of Work.

One well-defined Build Project in the Recipient’s Vehicle.

STAY ON TARGET

Going beyond the well-defined, and signed-off Build Project.  Adding more materials or functionality than agreed to at sign-off.  Scope Creep is not permitted.  Recipients are not to ask, pressure, or hint to their Volunteer Build Team to add anything more to their Build Project.

A common scene when Nomads camp together. (Fall 2021, Pahrump, NV)

Recreational camping on BLM land with other Recipients and Volunteers.  No work will be done on vehicles at camp.  No activities organized by HOWA.  This is a place to casually camp and enjoy community after a busy day.  Pets are on leash.  Avoid driving through washes or over any plants.  A suggested location will be provided on October 1 by email. Extra large or long RVs or trailers may not fit or be able to safely access the camp.

Work at the BYOV Build Site, Spring 2022.

Is on private property in Pahrump.  Much appreciation for our Hosts at Mail, Messages and More.  The Build Site will be approximately a half-hour drive from the BYOV Camp.  While your vehicle is under construction at the Build Site, use the provided Port-a-Potty at the Build Site.  Bring your water.  Bring your lunch.  Do NOT bring your pets.  If desired, and your pet is behaved, then a volunteer will pet-sit for you at the BYOV Camp.  The Build Site is a construction zone; so, no visitors.  (The public and community are invited to the Open House on the afternoon of Friday, October 28.)

Rachele: First Aid Volunteer at the 2022 RTR. She also served at the Spring 22 BYOV.

Safety is a very important focus at the BYOV.  All Participants are part of the be-safe solution.  Stay aware.  Be proactive.  Act and respond immediately when directed to remove or react to a safety hazard.  Wear close-toed shoes and eye protection.  To prevent COVID transmission, HOWA recommends that participants follow current CDC Guidelines.  If an accident occurs, trained and qualified first aid volunteers are at the Build Site.

For the safety for animals and humans alike, pets may not be in the construction areas at the Build Site.  For Volunteers, pets may remain in, or be restrained near the Volunteers’ vehicles (their homes).  Or, for Volunteers who are working at the Build Site, but not in a construction area, if their pet is leashed, quiet, settled and not a tripping hazard, then their pet may remain at the Build Site.  Alternatively, Volunteers with pets may have other Volunteers pet sit for them at the BYOV-Participant Camp or a nearby Dog Park.   Another option for safe pet keeping is a kennel about a block away from the Build Site, at the volunteer’s cost.

Bobbi, your BYOV Manager.

• Bobbi, BYOV Manager
• Ronda, BYOV Assistant Manager
• Glen, volunteer Build Supervisor to assist Build Teams and provide Quality Control.
• Two volunteer Assistant Build Supervisors and one or two Inventory volunteers have yet to be selected.

Volunteer:  Sign-ups available on HOWA web site during the second week of August 2022.

Charity Wishlist on Amazon:  Purchase an item (or more) for Recipients’ Builds.  Published during the third or forth week of August.

Cash Gifts:  Specifically for the HOWA Build Program HERE.

Part of the clean-up crew from April 2022.

On Saturday mornings during the BYOV — October 8, 15, 22, and 29 — meet in the BLM Desert at Basin and Higley (aka Justin) to pick up trash.  Bags provided by HOWA.  Dumpster provided by the BLM, Pahrump Field Office.

Ditzy, the Volunteer Mentor with Recipient Barbara, standing in front of Barbara’s newly granted minivan. The Astro MiniVan was generously donated, as was the Fiberine hightop. Fall 2021

As a 501(c)3 charitable nonprofit, HOWA is dedicated to providing safe and secure homes on wheels to those in financial need. Since the Summer of 2019, HOWA has provided vehicles, mostly minivans, to those on the edge of homelessness. But, the world has changed since we started that effort. In 2019, we spent $3000 for that first minivan, by the end of 2021 we were spending $7000+ for comparable minivans, if we could even find any at all in today’s used-car market.

So, HOWA’s Board of Trustees took a hard look to figure out if HOWA can use our limited funds more effectively in order to serve more nomads in need. And, the answer is “Yes, we can!” HOWA made those changes for our first Bring Your Own Vehicle Build Program in Spring 2022, doubling the number of Build Program Recipients for a single Build Event.

Be assured, HOWA will continue providing Vehicle Grants as vehicles in good condition are donated. We want to continue to provide vehicles as homes on wheels for those on the edge of homelessness. We are not abandoning Vehicle Grants, rather we are adding to our Build Program in order to serve many more nomads in need.

HOWA’s Build Program currently has a few parts and sub-parts:

• BYOV (Bring Your Own Vehicle)
• Vehicle Grants of Donated Vehicles
  • If an RV, then HOWA’s assures good condition and grants as is.
  • If a van or minivan, then HOWA assures good condition and
    • HOWA Volunteers and Recipient do a Build on the vehicle, OR
    • One Mentor Volunteer with the Recipient does a No-Build Build on the vehicle
  • For two weeks, a Volunteer Mentor helps the Recipient who is typically just moving off of the edge of homelessness.

A caring and compassionate community are hallmarks of HOWA.  All are welcome to be part of us, all — ethnicities, sexual orientations, gender identities, religious affiliations, political persuasions, physical abilities, etc.  Diversity makes us stronger.  In HOWA, we focus on what brings us together — our humanity, appreciation of differences, love of nature, exploration, helping each other, the nomadic life.  In contrast, we avoid divisive topics, words, pictures, and symbols of religion, politics, and any other current hot-button topic.  Together we are changing lives, building community, and ending homelessness one person at a time.

Suanne & Bob, HOWA’s Co-Founders shooting a video for Bob’s CheapRVLiving Channel in front a workstation at the Spring 22 BYOV.

Trustees:  Bob Wells, President; Suanne Carlson, Vice-President; Karen Battaglia, Secretary; Brian Gifford, Treasurer; Bob Kent; Susan Merrill; Sarah Kuiken; JP Smith; and provisional trustees Arlo Kipfer (acting Governance), Jaime Restorff, and John Noland.

Staff:  Suanne Carlson, Executive Director; Phyllis Bickford, Volunteer Coordinator; and Lisa Bernad, Virtual Caravan Coordinator who also lends her artistic talents.  Bobbi, the BYOV Manager is also the Emergency Fund Coordinator and Case Manager for Vehicle-Grant Recipients.