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 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 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 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.

HOWA hosted a Bring Your Own Vehicle event

October 14, 2023

14th nomads received 200 watt portable solar power equipment including panels, cables, and power stations. The event was made possible through a gift from Lectric eBikes.

HOWA hosted the 2024 Rubber Tramp Rendezvous Jan 11 -19

January 11, 2024

HOWA hired a new Executive Director

February 10, 2024

J.D. McCrary brings a wealth of experience and a heartfelt commitment to serve displaced individuals and care for the land.