It's been so long since I posted! We've been camping in the desert above Pahrump, Nevada with a group of HOWA volunteers and recipients of the
Bring Your Own Vehicle program. Our job title is camp host which means pitching in if anyone needs a hand and watching over the camp when people are away at the build site. Mostly we're just hanging out and socializing. :-D It's been fun getting to know all of the new nomads and catching up with old friends.
The Minivan Build Program is Homes On Wheels Alliance initial program, fulfilling a mission of supplying minivans to people who would almost certainly become homeless if they didn't receive some help. Between the summer of 2019 and the fall of 2021, HOWA granted vans to eighteen people. However the skyrocketing price of minivans has currently made the program unfeasible which led to the development of Bring Your Own Vehicle. This program is tailored to current nomads who cannot afford to upgrade their homes on wheels due to the expense of parts and installation. Nine nomadic recipients are currently in the program. Some are getting almost full buildouts - insulation, floors, wall coverings, beds, shelves, vents with fans, and solar systems - others are getting simple additions such as floors or solar systems.
We've had several potluck dinners, a pancake breakfast, game nights, and nightly campfires. The weather has run the gamut from hot to cold, calm to windy, sunny to cloudy and the sunsets have been gorgeous.
The Minivan Build Program is Homes On Wheels Alliance initial program, fulfilling a mission of supplying minivans to people who would almost certainly become homeless if they didn't receive some help. Between the summer of 2019 and the fall of 2021, HOWA granted vans to eighteen people. However the skyrocketing price of minivans has currently made the program unfeasible which led to the development of Bring Your Own Vehicle. This program is tailored to current nomads who cannot afford to upgrade their homes on wheels due to the expense of parts and installation. Nine nomadic recipients are currently in the program. Some are getting almost full buildouts - insulation, floors, wall coverings, beds, shelves, vents with fans, and solar systems - others are getting simple additions such as floors or solar systems. 
Today as I was driving back from mom's place I saw what looked like a 50' bus in this person's driveway. Thought, WOW, what a nice motorhome that would make someone! It might have only been 45', but it was LONG.... Glad you all are ok.
ReplyDeleteHope you're enjoying your visit! I love seeing how people design their bus conversions but I sure wouldn't want to have one - way too big!
DeleteThat is such a good program, helping others with their homes-on-wheels. The price of everything has gone up so much, I'm not surprised that minivans are included. Summer's comin' -- time for you guys to start north?
ReplyDeleteThe BYOV program was very successful so I'm sure we'll keep doing it even if the price of minivans comes down and we can start that program up again.
DeleteWe're on a fast path this year. We're meeting our daughter in eastern Washington in a few days then heading east to make it to Maine for a July 9th wedding. Wish we had time to stop and visit you guys again!
Safe travels, as always!
DeleteHello! It was an absolute pleasure meeting and spending time with you guys at camp. Words cannot express my gratitude I have for HOWA and the volunteers.
ReplyDeleteHi Jeffery! Glad you found the blog! It was definitely our pleasure meeting you. Thank you for joining in on game nights and entertaining us with your musical talents!
DeleteHi Karen and Tony. Rob here from the volunteer camp. I sure enjoyed meeting you both, and talking to you Karen about blogs, and thank you Tony for your help with the cargo racks. This is a great post about the BYOV! Sorry I missed saying goodbye to you. My email if you'd like to stay in touch directly: robrogersemail@yahoo.com.
ReplyDeleteHappy travels, I look forward to meeting again.
-Rob
Hi Rob, thanks for the email address. Ours is on the right side of the blog - last item. I enjoyed talking with you too and hope to see you again at next year's RTR. Sorry we're going to miss the next BYOV. Pop into the virtual caravan on Tuesday again if you aren't busy.
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