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.

Click here.


The Next “Bring Your Own Vehicle” (BYOV) Event is October 14, 2023.

Click the title to find out more; applications open until September 15, 2023.

Thank you for allowing us at Homes on Wheels Alliance the opportunity to help you in your time of need. Each of us have 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)

The Rubber Tramp Rendezvous (RTRs) is an event where nomads meet up, re-connecting with old friends and making new friends.  Classes are offered to help people succeed in the nomadic lifestyle.  Those who are experienced nomads, share their expertise, in-person and online.  The RTR began in 2011 and remains a favorite winter gathering among the mobile community.
 
Links to click-on for more information:
 
 

 

The Caravans:  In-Person & Virtual

Click here to learn about the In-Person Caravans.  Caravans are smaller gatherings at boondocking locations.  These are recreational camps, a time to make friends and build community.  Go to a Caravan Camp location, then say hi to others who have also found the location.  These could be 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 does care 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.

Barbara: Minivan Recipient and now a HOWA Volunteer. Oct 2021

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 as its highest value. To those that 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,
  • Build out vans and trailers, recondition RVs to become safe and secure homes for those in need, and
  • Assist nomads to improve their current vehicle dwelling (build bed/cabinets, make mechanical repairs, install solar, sew bedding/curtains, etc.), and
  • Join with other organizations and individuals to hold gatherings in support of the larger mobile community.

If 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 a HomesOnWheelsAlliance@gmail.com to let us know about it.

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.

Vehicle Grants

HOWA: 1) acquires vehicles appropriate for people with lower incomes to reside (donations), and 2) make the necessary repairs and upgrades to prepare the vehicle to become a home.


Communications

HOWA is developing good communication practices with the community and interactive resources for our clients, volunteers, donors and the media.  HOWA employees a Client Services Manager, uses a Volunteer Management system, and is implementing a Customer Relationship Management system.