An Idea is Born
June 7, 2018
It began as an idea to help fellow nomads.
An experienced consultant was engaged to start
June 14, 2018
Suanne Carlson accepted position of Executive Director
July 1, 2018
Established Board of Trustees
August 1, 2018
Established Board of Trustees
Incorporated in the State of Nevada
August 28, 2018
Executive Assistant hired
September 1, 2018
Finalized and adopted official HOWA name and logo
September 7, 2018
When Bob Wells requested ideas for a name for the new nonprofit hundreds of suggestions poured in. The winner was Homes on Wheels Alliance!
Received IRS 501(C)3 charitable tax-exempt status
September 13, 2018
Adopted Homes On Wheels Alliance, Inc. Bylaws
October 1, 2018
Filed AZ foreign state registration application
October 17, 2018
Received first online donation
October 17, 2018
First Board of Trustees meeting and trustee training sessions
October 31, 2018
Initiated business plan
December 18, 2018
HOWA trained volunteers for the second WRTR
January 4, 2019
The mission of the WRTR is to build a supportive community of women, and help women create long-term success for themselves in the vandwelling lifestyle.
HOWA trustees answered questions and accepted donations at the WRTR and RTR
January 4, 2019
The trustees and volunteers could be found at the HOWA booth every day during the course of the WRTR and RTR, ready to answer questions and provide brochures.
HOWA formed an alliance with the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation
March 20, 2019
HOWA formed an alliance with Public Land Society and Freecampsites.net for the Ehrenberg cleanup
March 20, 2019
A huge thank you goes to Suanne Carlson and Phyllis of the Homes On Wheels Alliance and the RTR Caravan 1 for organizing this phase.
Linda May donated land to HOWA
April 1, 2019
Five acres donated to Homes On Wheels Alliance!
HOWA formed an alliance with Santan Solar – Santan donated 40 solar panels
April 22, 2019
HOWA began first Minivan Build Out
June 1, 2019
HOWA formed an alliance with RVillage
June 28, 2019
HOWA adopted WRTR, RTR, and Caravans from CRVL
July 1, 2019
At the request of Cheap RV Living, and after approval by the HOWA board of trustees, the management of the Women’s Rubber Tramp Rendezvous, the Rubber Tramp Rendezvous, and the Caravan program was turned over to HOWA.
HOWA established Nomad Emergency Fund
July 27, 2019
HOWA formed an alliance with WeeRoll Trailers – WeeRoll donated a trailer
August 8, 2019
HOWA’s first birthday celebration and first minivan awarded
August 28, 2019
Homes on Wheels Alliance created a YouTube channel
September 27, 2019
HOWA’s YouTube channel videos provide helpful tips to new and current nomads.
HOWA formed an alliance with Renogy
October 5, 2019
Five homes on wheels are completed by volunteers
October 30, 2019
Solar power system kits awarded to recipients
November 5, 2019
Through the generously of HOWA’s alliance partners Santan Solar, the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation, and Renogy, HOWA was able to provide solar panels and system components to 37 recipients.
HOWA formed an alliance with Lectric eBike – donated five bikes and $10,000 for Minivan Build Outs
December 30, 2019
HOWA hosted the 2020 WRTR and RTR
January 14, 2020
HOWA manned a booth at RVillage Rally
February 14, 2020
In response to Coronavirus outbreak HOWA began Virtual Caravan Campfires
March 30, 2020
Lectric eBike donated two bikes
May 30, 2020
The bikes were awarded to nomads in need of alternate forms of transportation.
HOWA created Facebook groups: Camp Together and Homes on Wheels Alliance discussion group
June 13, 2020
Both groups were formed to create a safe place for nomads during the coronavirus pandemic. The Home of Wheels Group allows current nomads and future nomads to ask questions, share tips that make their nomadic lives better, and to get to know others in the mobile community. The CampTogether Group is dedicated to helping nomads find others with whom to share a camp. Although HOWA is not organizing any in-person gatherings for legal and ethical reasons, we recognize that some in the mobile community will still want to camp together at their own risk. Nomads may use this venue to create your own unofficial gatherings.
Five Homes on Wheels were awarded in 2020
November 12, 2020
Meet some of the recipients on the CRVL YouTube channel.
HOWA distributed $16,400 to nomads in need
December 12, 2020
Homes On Wheels Alliance’s newest program called “We Care” was initiated by an anonymous donor with continued funding by many other generous folks. HOWA distributed $50 of gift cards to people in need who live in their cars, vans, or RVs. YouTube video
HOWA hosted the 2021 virtual RTR and WRTR
January 20, 2021
The 2021 RTR and WRTR could not be held in person because of the need for precautions due to coronavirus. Live YouTube classes were held on January 14 – 20 with each session followed by a question and answer period. Classes were also recorded for viewing on the HOWA YouTube channel.
HOWA hosted a “We Care” event in Pahrump, Nevada
April 1, 2021
A generous Community Grant of $3,000 from Walmart was distributed as $50 gifts to nomads in need through HOWA’s “We Care” Program.
Four more Homes on Wheels are awarded
April 17, 2021
Each of the four recipients spent two weeks working with a mentor before moving into their new Home on Wheels.
In-Person Caravans Restarted
October 6, 2021
After a break of 19 months due to the risk of spreading coronavirus, in-person Caravans were restarted. A decision was made to continue Virtual Caravans.
Two Homes on Wheels Awarded
October 20, 2021
A minivan and an Astro van with a hightop installed by Fiberine were awarded to two nomads.
“We Care” in Pahrump, Nevada
November 1, 2021
Over $5,000 was distributed to nomads in need to help make their Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays joyful.
HOWA Hosted the 2022 Rubber Tramp Rendezvous Jan 14-23
January 14, 2022
The WRTR and RTR were held in the Quartzsite town park. Positive relationships were built with the town officials and local businesses.
HOWA hired a Director of Development
February 1, 2022
HOWA started the Bring Your Own Vehicle program.
February 18, 2022
Volunteers work with full-time nomads who need help with building out their homes on wheels but do not have the necessary funds. In April 2022 eight nomadic recipients received improvements to their homes such as insulation, wall coverings, plywood floors topped with vinyl sheeting, bed frames, shelving, ceiling fans, and solar systems.
HOWA hosted the second Bring Your Own Vehicle build-out
October 3, 2022
Over the four weeks of October 2022, eighteen nomads working with volunteer builders received needed upgrades to their homes on wheels such as insulation, wall coverings, plywood floors topped with vinyl sheeting, bed frames, shelving, ceiling fans, and solar systems.
HOWA Hosted the 2023 Rubber Tramp Rendezvous Jan 7-20
February 2, 2023
The WRTR and RTR were again held in the Quartzsite town park. New in 2023 – buskers, food carts, a craft table, movie night, and sewing services.