VOLUNTEER at the
Bring Your Own Vehicle (BYOV)
Build Even

Information & Sign-Up Form to Serve at the
April 2022 BYOV Build in Pahrump, NV

Note:  As of March 10, we still need volunteers with carpentry or solar skills.  All other volunteer support positions have been filled.  Thank you Mobile Community for such an amazing response to serve nomads in need.  Those who have already volunteered, most have received a phone call from Bobbi and/or Marieke, BYOV Manager & Assistant; you will receive your assignments by email around March 20 after we’ve reviewed and selected the Recipients.

Thank you for checking out this volunteer opportunity.   We at Homes On Wheels Alliance (HOWA) L-O-V-E, LOVE our volunteers.  You are the heart of HOWA’s events to build-up our community and to help nomads in need.

Below, please find the details as well as the sign-up form to fill out to volunteer at April’s BYOV Build Event. We will gather in Pahrump to assist nomads who could not have otherwise afforded the supplies and materials to make their rigs into functional homes, let alone afforded the cost of labor.

After each day’s work, everyone will leave the Build Site to go back to our camp in the desert; there, we can gather to enjoy the warmth of a campfire, share stories, make laughter, and strengthen friendships.

Suanne Carlson
Executive Director
Homes On Wheels Alliance, Inc.

General Information

  • OUR RECIPIENTS:  As a volunteer, you are changing lives.  Please remember that each Grantee is entrusting you with their home. Honor that trust — advocate for them, encourage them, and mentor them while they are in your charge.
  • DATES: The BYOV Event runs from Monday April 4 through Friday April 29.  Preparations will begin the weeks before, and wrap-up will take place in the days after.
  • TIME: Build hours are from 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, Volunteers in support roles may need to keep different hours.
  • WHERE: The Build Site will be in the back lot of “Mail Messages & More” (1970 N. Leslie St).  Only recipients and their rigs scheduled for their Build should be on premises.  Similarly, only scheduled volunteers and their rigs should be on premises.  Thank you Mail Messages & More for hosting the BYOV; we love our alliance with you!
  • NO AMENITIES at the BUILD SITE:  Our host does not provide water, flush toilets, electricity, or trash disposal.
    • Bring water to keep yourself hydrated.
    • If you don’t have access to a bathroom in your rig, HOWA provides a large Potty Tent with a bucket, plastic bag liners, toilet paper, and kitty litter.  Separate your poop and pee. Bring your own pee bottle. Wrap your poop up in a plastic bag and take it with you.  Do not leave it in the bucket or in the tent.  Since you will likely have your rig at the Build Site, you probably will not need to use the Potty Tent.
    • Make sure your tools are battery powered and you can keep them charged.  HOWA has one 2000W generator to be shared among all build teams; or you can re-charge with your own solar power or generator.
    • For trash, we’ll have cardboard receptacles near the Hospitality Tables and at each Build Location.  Volunteers will tend to construction debris.  The Dump is only a few miles away, open 7 days/week, and free.
  • LUNCH & BREAKS:  All Volunteers and Recipients take breaks.  Snacks and water are provided.  Bring more water and your lunch.

    HOWA volunteers, recipients, and staff at the October 2019 Build in Pahrump, NV.

  • CAMPING: The Volunteer Camp will be on BLM desert land east of the town of Pahrump.  Exact location to be announced.  No camping at the Build Site.  We will have overnight Security at the Build Site.
  • OPEN HOUSE: On Friday afternoon, April 29, we have scheduled an Open House where all Recipients and their rigs will be on display for the community, neighbors, and media.  All Volunteers are encouraged to attend.  In the past we’ve had curious nomads and neighbors stop by the Build Site to observe and visit.  Since it is an active construction area and the build teams are on a tight schedule, we ask all who are not current Recipients or Volunteers to return for the Open House on the afternoon of April 29.
  • HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS: Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.  Protect yourself from the sun (hat, sunscreen).  Each build team will have a 10’x10′ canopy for shade.  Regarding COVID, HOWA recommends that all participants follow current CDC guidelines to protect both themselves and others.

A Typical Work Week for a Volunteer on a Build Team:

  • Monday
    • Morning — All Volunteer Orientation — Introductions, Work Flow, Inventory Control, Safety Protocol, etc.  Set up your work area with your tools, materials, supplies, etc.
    • Afternoon — Your (first) Recipient checks in and signs release forms.  Build team meets with the (first) Recipient for introductions, clarification of roles, confirm agreed-upon scope of project, gather all tools, supplies, materials, and confirm that the rig will arrive as empty as needed for the build by tomorrow at 8am
  • Tuesday
    • 8am — Half-hour large-group Safety Meeting with Recipients.
    • 8:30am – 5pm — Complete Build.   Your (first) Recipient takes possession of vehicle no later than 5pm to make ready for camping that night.
  • Wednesday
    • Morning — Meet with your (first) Recipient to see if there are any issues to resolve or training to be completed (solar).  Recipient signs off on completed work.
    • Afternoon — Your (second) Recipient checks in and signs release forms.  Build team meets with (second) Recipient for introductions, clarification of roles, confirm agreed-upon scope of project, gather all tools, supplies, materials, and confirm that the rig will arrive as empty as needed to do the build by tomorrow at 8am.
  • Thursday
    • 8am  — Half-hour large-group Safety Meeting with Recipients.
    • 8:30am-5pm — Complete Build.  Your (second) Recipient takes possession of vehicle no later than 5pm to make ready for camping that night.
  • Friday
    • Morning — Meet with your (second) Recipient to see if there are any issues to resolve or training to be completed (solar).  Recipient signs off on completed work.
    • Afternoon — Pizza Lunch with that week’s Recipients and Volunteers.  Lock away tools, materials, supplies for the weekend.

Volunteer at the October 2019 Build

Volunteer Positions and Sign Up

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS for every Volunteer:

  • Honor the Recipients.  Our work is about them.  When necessary, set clear boundaries with kindness.
  • Be dependable and prompt.
  • Wear a safety vest when volunteering.
  • Use critical thinking skills to solve problems, make a plan, be creative.
  • Collaborate with the Recipients, other Volunteers and Staff.
  • Laugh together.
  • Each week’s Volunteers gather for:
    • An Orientation at 8am on Monday, and
    • A Pizza Lunch with Recipients at Noon on Friday
  • Attend the Friday afternoon, April 29th Open House with other Volunteers, Recipients, other Nomads, Pahrump Neighbors, and possibly Media (if at all possible).
  • Complete a Liability and an Image Release.

Each of the Volunteer Position Descriptions are below.  Click on the Position Title (one time) and the description will drop-down below.  Use those position descriptions to decide if you want to, and are able to serve in that capacity.

 Then, fill out this FORM to sign up to be a volunteer. 

BUILD TEAMS

SOLAR AND VAN/VENT INSTALLERS & ASSISTANTS

Desired Qualifications

  • Able to commit for either one full week or two full weeks at the Build Site in April, 8am-5pm, Monday – Friday.
    • If volunteering for two weeks, then a week break in between.
  • Able to stand and move for long periods 
  • Physically able to lift 50 lbs. and be physically active all day 
    • Ask for assistance if an item is heavier than 50 lbs. 
  • Experience required installing solar power systems
  • Experience preferred installing vents or fans in vans or RVs.

Position Description

  • Work closely with Bobbi, BYOV Manager, and her Assistant
  • Collaborate as a part of a 3-person team that will include the Recipient, Lead, and Assistant to confirm the build scope, make a plan, gather supplies, and complete installation  
  • Provide your own tools for build (battery operated preferred, no shore power available)
    • Bringing a ladder to reach the roof is a bonus  

Types of Installations

  • Solar power system with portable solar panels, two sizes to choose from — 
    • 200W solar w/100ah battery, charge controller (w/monitor), 12v fuse block & receptacles, inverter, wiring, fuses – best for full-size vans or larger — OR 
    • 100W solar w/portable power system – best for minivans or smaller
  • Ceiling vent – may include fan if 12v power is available to the ceiling – most appropriate for full-size vans or larger

WOODWORKING AND INSULATION INSTALLERS & ASSISTANTS

Desired Qualifications

  • Able to commit for either one full week or two full weeks at the Build Site in April, 8am-5pm, Monday – Friday.
    • If volunteering for two weeks, then a week break in between.
  • Able to stand and move for long periods
  • Physically able to lift 50 lbs. and be physically active all day
    • Ask for assistance if item is heavier than 50 lbs.
  • Woodworking experience required
  • Insulation experience with foam-board products preferred

Position Description

  • Work closely with Bobbi, BYOV Manager, and her Assistant
  • Collaborate as a part of a 3-person team that will include the Recipient, Lead, and Assistant to confirm the build scope, make a plan, gather supplies, and complete installation  
  • Provide own tools for build (battery powered preferred, no shore power available)

Types of Installations

  • Platform bed – unfinished ¾”-1″ plywood and lumber to fit inside the applicant’s vehicle
  • Shelving – unfinished plywood and lumber w/lip that fits inside the applicant’s vehicle
  • Flat ¾” plywood deck in the living area, with vinyl flooring and edging at doors (no insulation)
  • Wall insulation (polyiso or EPS) with ¼-3/8” ply skin – most appropriate for full-size vans or larger
  • Ceiling insulation (polyiso or EPS) with ¼-3/8” ply skin – most appropriate for full-size vans or larger

Example of how to Scribe: https://youtu.be/-pTI8teaqSI

All Support Team volunteer positions listed below have been filled.  Thank you!

FILLED -- administrative & bookkeeping services -- please do not sign-up

Desired Qualifications

  • Available to train in March (may be at a distance on Zoom)
  • Available to be in Pahrump throughout April
  • Experience with MS Excel
  • Experience with MS Word
  • Experience with general record keeping processes
  • Experience with Zoom, preferred

Position Description

  • Work closely with Bobbi, BYOV Manager, and her Assistant
  • Prepare Driving Permissions for HOWA vehicles
  • Record expenses and keep receipts and other documents (training provided)
  • Printing, as needed
  • Perform other duties as assigned

FILLED -- assistant to the manager -- please do not sign-up

Desired Qualifications

  • Available to train in March (may be at a distance on Zoom)
  • Available to help manage Recipients in March (email or phone)
  • Available to be at the Build Site in Pahrump throughout April
  • Experience with MS Excel
  • Experience with MS Word
  • Experience with Zoom, preferred

Position Description

  • Work closely with Bobbi, BYOV Manager
  • Check-In Volunteers
    • Coordinates with Inventory Control to check-in and check-out Volunteer’s safety vests
  • Check-In Recipients, verifying with Drivers License
  • Collect Recipients & their Build Team’s Sign-Off on Scope of Work, prior to Build
  • Check-Out Recipients, verifying Sign-Off of work
  • Perform other duties as assigned by BYOV Manager

FILLED -- first aid services -- please do not sign-up

Desired Qualifications

  • Available for 1 week minimum commitment, 2 weeks maximum with a week break in between
  • Available for 8am-5pm shifts, Tues-Fri while Builds are being done
  • Experience and formal training in first aide, EMT, nursing, etc.
  • Knowledge of when to call 911

Position Description

  • Work closely with Bobbi, BYOV Manager, and her Assistant
  • Provide first aid
  • Refer to other medical or psychological services as needed
  • Look out for the of the wellbeing of all on site
  • Perform other duties as assigned

FILLED -- hospitality services -- please do not sign-up

Desired Qualifications

  • Available on April 3 to set-up Hospitality Areas’ table/canopy arrangements, shop for snacks and drinks
  • Available on April 4-30 to serve Recipients, Volunteers and Staff, 7:30am-4:30pm

Position Description

  • Work closely with Bobbi, BYOV Manager, and her Assistant
  • Help create an atmosphere of inclusion and kindness (the Hospitality area is a gathering area)
  • Shop for snacks and drinks, as needed
  • Serve coffee first thing in the morning
  • On last day, tear-down, inventory, and store
  • Perform other duties as assigned

FILLED -- inventory services -- please do not sign-up

Desired Qualifications:

  • Able to commit to the full month of April 2022
    • May be part of a Multi-Volunteer team
  • Interact with Build Teams throughout the Event
  • Experience with MS Excel
  • Experience preferred managing physical inventory on site and electronically
  • Able to stand and move for long periods 
  • Physically able to lift 50 lbs. 
    • Ask for assistance if an item is heavier than 50 lbs. 

Position Description

  • Work closely with Bobbie, BYOV Manager, and her Assistant
  • 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, track, open, assign, and physically organize many packages shipped to the Build Site for the BYOV Event
    • Ordered by donors from the Amazon Wishlist (will have access to HOWA’s Amazon back-end Wishlist Info)
    • Ordered by staff from various vendors
  • Coordinate with staff and other volunteers to receive, track, assign and physically organize items purchased before and during the BYOV Event
    • Work with Bobbi, BYOV Manager, to re-order items as necessary
  • Items received for the Build Projects organized (electronically & physically) by Project
  • Coordinate with Hospitality Volunteers for their inventory needs
  • Coordinate with Tear-Down Crew to inventory all items to be stored

FILLED -- camp host -- please do not sign-up

Desired Qualifications

  • Available in April
    • Arrive in the Volunteer Camp on BLM Land on the Saturday of assigned week
    • Minimum Commitment:  One Saturday-Friday week in April
    • Maximum Commitment:  Two Saturday-Friday weeks in April
  • Able to lift 30lbs, and will ask for assistance if over 30 lbs.
  • Good vision and situational awareness
  • Good people skills
  • Knowledge of Pahrump from a Nomad’s perspective
  • Knowledge of BYOV

Position Description

  • Work closely with Bobbi, BYOV Manager, and her Assistant
  • Welcome Recipients
  • Help create an inclusive, kind environment
  • Look out for the of the Recipients’ well being
  • Help Recipients know where or how to find services in Pahrump
  • Provide physical assistance helping Recipients empty their rigs prior to their Build Day (Tuesday or Thursday)
  • Remain in camp from 7:30am-5:30pm to watch Recipients’ property on Tues & Thurs, possibly Mon & Wed afternoon and Wed & Fri morning, or as needed
  • Other duties as assigned

FILLED -- runner & land steward services -- please do not sign-up

Desired Qualifications

  • Available during April 2022
  • Able to stand, walk for long periods of time
  • Physically able to lift 30 lbs and be physically active all day
    • Will ask for assistance if item is heavier than 30 lbs.
  • Valid Drivers License
  • Able to tow a 6 x 10 trailer with a 2” ball with 4 flat electric wiring

Position Description

  • Works closely with Bobbi, BYOV Manager, and her Assistant
  • Makes runs to local stores to pick up supplies, materials, hospitality items, etc.
  • Assures that the Build Site remains trash-free
  • Makes runs to the Dump to dispose of garbage and build debris, as needed
  • Other duties as assigned

FILLED -- security -- please do not sign-up

Desired Qualifications

  • Available shifts are during the weekends and overnight from 5pm to 7am, April 2-30, at one full-week period at a time.
  • Past experience in security preferred
  • Observant
  • Anticipates next steps
  • Able to address violators clearly, authoritatively, and kindly

Position Description

  • Work closely with Bobbi, BYOV Manager, and her Assistant
  • Depending on the number of Security Services Volunteers, may have a Security Lead
  • Primary concern is for the safe keeping of property at the Build Site (tools, canopies, tables, supplies, etc.)
  • May work shifts as a single volunteer, or in teams of two
  • When on overnight duty, may stealth camp at the Build Site for that 24 hour period
  • Perform site checks each hour
  • Request that violators change their behavior, do not enforce
  • If non-emergency need for law enforcement (e.g. dog fight), call local dispatch at ______________
  • 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

FILLED -- set-up & tear-down -- please do not sign-up

Desired Qualifications

  • Available for Set-Up on Sunday, April 3, 8am-5pm, with breaks
  • Available for Tear-Down on Saturday, April 30, 8am-5pm, with breaks
  • Able to stand and move for long periods 
  • Physically able to lift 50 lbs. and be physically active all day 
    • Ask for assistance if an item is heavier than 50 lbs. 

Position Description

  • Work closely with Bobbi, BYOV Manager, and her Assistant
  •  Set-Up
    • Set up as many as 10 Canopies
    • Set up 1 SpringBar or Kodiac Tent as the Potty Tent
    • Outfit Potty Tent (bucket, bags, tp, kitty litter, etc.)
    • Place large items & appliances in Hospitality Area
    • Test generator for good operation
    • Place tables, saw horses, etc.
    • Signage (parking, build stations, hospitality, covid, about HOWA, safety info, etc.)
  • Tear-Down
    • Take down tables, saw horses, canopies, tent
    • Make final run to the Dump
    • Work with Inventory Control Volunteer to account for all items
    • Organize Storage Areas

FILLED -- media -- please do not sign-up

Desired Qualifications:

  • Available from March-April
  • In Pahrump in April
  • Experience in at least one area (preferred in multiple areas) of —
    • writing for HOWA website blogs
    • writing for Facebook
    • photography of human subjects in action
    • videography for YouTube
    • video editing for YouTube
    • YouTube Live Feeds (behind camera)
    • moderating all social media comments
    • press releases
  • Have the equipment
    • camera (we use our phones)
    • tripod w/rigging helpful (may borrow HOWA’s if available)
    • computer
    • Internet access
    • Data (or use staff wifi)

Position Description, as able and assigned

  • Work closely with Suanne Carlson, Executive Director and Bobbi Stice, BYOV Manager
  • Capture and communicate the activities related to the BYOV
  • Help create and follow a publishing schedule
  • Help write content for social media, press releases, video descriptions, etc.
  • Help create video content for YouTube (edited and live)
  • Post content according to publishing schedule
  • May assist in other areas of the BYOV Event as requested

What a great feeling to volunteer with others to serve our community.  It’s the best kind of camaraderie!  The success of the BYOV is because of you.  Together we are changing lives.

HOWA Alliances for the BYOV

  • Mail, Messages & More
  • CRVL logo
  • BYOV Volunteers