The 2019 Women’s Rubber Tramp Rendezvous (WRTR) was held in Bouse, Arizona, January 4 through 8. It was projected that between 800 and 1,000 women would attend . . . and that became the reality. Each day, women pulled into the WRTR entrance glowing with achievement that they had overcome hurdles, obstacles, setbacks, fears and anxiety to travel, for some, thousands of miles alone for the first time in their lives. They were greeted at the entrance by other women who had volunteered to help set up the event, greet participants, manage the sound system, and provide information and assistance where it was needed. These volunteers arrived at the WRTR site three days early to receive training and do all the tasks involved in setting up the event.
Organizing the volunteers and providing the training was the first Homes On Wheels Alliance event. It was a magnificent success. The volunteers who were trained and provided their energy and dedication at the 2019 WRTR are the core of HOWA volunteers going forward. They helped make the event what it was and will forever be remembered as the “Information Ninjas!”
Homes On Wheels Alliance had a presence at both the 2019 Women’s Rubber Tramp Rendezvous (WRTR) and the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous (RTR). Pamphlets and flyers explaining the mission and plans for Homes On Wheels Alliance were available as well as stickers and bumper stickers. Bob Wells provided copies of his book “How to Live in a Car, Van or RV” for sale with all the proceeds being donated to Homes On Wheels. Alliance.
Thousands of people learned about the origin and mission of this newly formed nonprofit organization during the WRTR and RTR. Homes On Wheels Alliance Trustees and other dedicated volunteers manned the booth eight hours a day for two weeks to spread the word and take donations.
Bob Wells and Suanne Carlson made two presentations at the RTR in 2019. The first presentation explained the origin, purpose, development and vision of Homes On Wheels Alliance. The second presentation gave the audience an opportunity to put forth ideas to enhance the work and programs of Homes On Wheels Alliance. There were many creative ideas presented that will give HOWA the opportunity to make alliances with many organizations important to nomads.