Emergency Fund and Tents for Nomads
The unexpected happens to all of us. If you are experiencing an emergency situation and are actively living the nomadic lifestyle, we want to help you.
The tent program is for a nomad (vehicle dweller) who needs temporary or expanded shelter for emergency or medical needs.
The Most Recent “Bring Your Own Vehicle” (BYOV) Event
was in Winter 2024 in southeast California (near Yuma, AZ).
These BYOV grants were for 17 sets of components for a complete roof-mounted solar power system with lithium batteries. Applications closed on Dec. 31, 2023.
Thank you for allowing us at Homes on Wheels Alliance the opportunity to help you in your time of need. Each of us has been in a position where we also needed help, and we are very grateful there was someone there who cared enough to help—to pay it forward, we want to offer you that same assistance in your time of need. Sadly, asking for help has become a mark of shame in modern America, but we think that is a terrible mistake. We believe that willingly asking for help in a time of need and joyfully giving are the true hallmarks of what it means to be a true human being.
Rubber Tramp Rendezvous (RTRs)
- 2024 – RTR and WRTR
- 2023 – RTRs — RTR, Women’s RTR, & Online RTR
- 2022 – RTRs — Old Information and Online RTR videos
- 2021 – Online RTR and Online Women’s RTR videos
- 2020 – RTR and Women’s RTR on videos
The Caravans: Camping & Virtual
Click here to learn about the Caravan Camps. These camps are smaller gatherings at dispersed camping locations. It’s casual camping, a time to meet up with friends and build community. Go to a camp location, then say howdy. These could become your next best friends!
The Virtual Caravans are weekly Zoom discussions focused on nomadic topics and building community. The Virtual Caravans fill a void for connection for those unable to attend the in-person events; HOWA continues to offer the Virtual Caravans. For more information, go to the Virtual Caravans webpage at http://HomesOnWheelsAlliance.org/VC.
We Care Gift Program
HOWA’s “We Care” program was initiated by an anonymous donor to distribute hundreds of holiday-time cash gifts to people in need living out of their vehicles. Times are hard right now. We want you to know that you are not alone; someone really cares about you.
In addition, the “We Care” program distributes cold-weather items like coats, blankets, hats, gloves, and wool socks at the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous in January. These items are for Nomads who could not otherwise afford them.
Together, we are changing lives.
Volunteering to Give Back
Every client is encouraged to give back to the level of their ability. This program develops opportunities where clients may serve others. We are building a tribe, and the foundation of every tribe is generosity and gratitude, which are its highest values. To those who receive, developing an attitude of generosity is what happens repeatedly in Homes On Wheels Alliance.
Programs in Development
Land Acquisition
Acquired either through generous donations or outright purchase (as money allows). Thank you to Linda May for gifting HOWA with her 5 acres in Douglas, AZ. Linda’s land has already hosted Caravans during the Spring Quarter 2019.
Your contribution will go towards purchasing land for Homes On Wheels Alliance to:
- Hold gatherings such as the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous,
- Offer training for new nomads to learn the skills needed to succeed in the lifestyle,
- Invite Caravan Groups to stay for a time,
- Join with other organizations and individuals to hold gatherings in support of the larger mobile community.
If you are interested in helping us find land, here are some requirements:
- Within an easy drive to town for supplies, groceries, water, trash disposal, mail/package delivery, and
- Cell data service (Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile), and
- Accessible, or could be made accessible to cars, vans, and long/large RVs, and
- A good chance that the county allows or would approve the uses listed above.
If land is to be used for large gatherings, also need:
- At least 100 acres, preferably more, OR
- At least 30 acres within easy access to free dispersed camping for participants AND
Longer Term Goal:
- Land for long-term stay, like a rustic RV park, for “retired” nomads with a community center for water, trash disposal, laundry, in-door activities, showers, bathrooms, RV dump
If you have researched and found some land that could work for HOWA, please email us at howa@howa.org to let us know.
Education
Unfortunately, our society often fails to teach basic practical skills. This program utilizes vetted Volunteer Mentors to teach our Clients those skills such as budgeting, vehicle maintenance, sewing, construction skills, solar power, and cellular/internet communications.
Compassion
Some of our clients and those seeking help need a listening ear, even when their needs are beyond HOWA’s scope or resources. HOWA staff and volunteers take time to understand their situation and, as much as possible, facilitate useful connections within HOWA’s programs with other organizations, social services, events, and opportunities.
Communications
HOWA is developing good communication practices with the community and interactive resources for our clients, volunteers, donors, and the media. HOWA employs a Client Services Manager, Volunteer Management, and Customer Relationship Management systems.