August 2026

2027 Rubber Tramp Rendezvous Logo Contest



 We invite you to showcase your creativity and capture the spirit of this unique event. Your design could become the iconic symbol for 2027 RTR, featured on merchandise, promotional materials, and more


Contest Details:

  • Submission Deadline: August 16, 2026
  • Notification: The contest winner will be notified by August 31, 2026
  • Prize: Your design, credited to you, will be prominently featured on all 2027 RTR webpages, Social Media posts, Merch, patches, stickers, etc.
  • Eligibility: Open to all ages and skill levels



Submit your design! Click here


Helping your donations go further!

If you've been contributing monthly or yearly to HOWA through the GiveCloud platform, your donations have been the backbone of our mission, and we are so grateful for your continued loyalty.


To ensure that more of your contribution goes directly toward supporting nomads in need, our donation platform is moving from GiveCloud to GiveButter. When complete this transition will significantly reduce our monthly overhead costs, allowing us to put those savings directly back into our programs.



To keep your support active, we need your help with two quick steps:

Step 1: Cancel your GiveCloud Account

  1. Visit GiveCloud.com and sign in using the email address associated with your original donation.
  2. Select your most recent payment and click Cancel to stop future charges on the old platform.

Step 2: Start Your New Gift on our Website

  1. Go to the HOWA Website.
  2. Click the Donate button in the top-right header.
  3. Select your preferred donation option from the dropdown menu and follow the prompts to set up your new recurring gift.

We understand that this is an extra step in your busy day, and we truly appreciate you taking the time to help us make this cost-saving move. If you have any questions or run into trouble, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Thank you for helping us build a stronger community!

 

Thank you for your support!

Support Summer Nomads

This time of year, it's easy to romanticize nomadic life—windows down, open skies, and the freedom of the open road stretching out ahead. But for many of the nomads we serve, summer tells a very different story.


Right now, thousands of people are work-camping at national parks, harvest sites, and campgrounds. Behind the scenic views are stretched-thin paychecks, extreme summer heat, and the constant, underlying reality that a single vehicle breakdown or medical emergency could unravel everything.


Summer jobs last only a few short months, and long winters with few opportunities for work can push meager savings to the breaking point.


We are here to help—and with your support, we can!


Your donations support:

The Emergency Fund (eFund)— Direct grants up to $1,500 for safety-related repairs,

towing, food, and fuel. In 2025, we helped 39 people with over $10,000 in emergency

assistance.


In-Person Caravans — Volunteer-led gatherings that bring nomads together for

connection and mutual support throughout the season.


The Rubber Tramp Rendezvous (RTR) — Our free annual gathering in Quartzsite, AZ

draws 3,500+ nomads for workshops, community, and connection. Planning for our

January 2027 event is already underway, and your gift will help cover vital expenses that

make this free event possible.


Donate Here


Stay Safe During Summer Wildfire Season



















  •  Nearly 85 percent of wildland fires in the United States are caused by humans.
  •  Every year there are approximately 70,000 wildfires.
  • Millions of acres of forest have been lost over the last decade.


As nomads, we walk a unique line when it comes to wildfires. On one hand, we are often better prepared to escape danger because our homes are mobile, allowing us to pack up and evacuate quickly before a fire closes in. On the other hand, because we spend so much of our lives in nature, we face a higher day-to-day exposure to forest environments.

To protect the surrounding communities and the forests we love, here are some tips for safe forest camping and responsible campfire management.

 

DON’T

  •  Don’t leave a campfire unattended.
  •  Don’t drive or park on dried out vegetation.
  • When smoking make sure the butts are completely. Put them in your pocket instead of throwing them on the ground.

DO

  • Get a permit if campfires are allowed.
  •  Clear any vegetation before building a fire ring. Use established rings when possible.
  • Stay at least 15 feet from tents, vegetation, and low-hanging branches.
  •  Keep a bucket of water and shovel near the fire ring at all times.
  • Keep fires as small as possible and don’t build fires on windy days
  •  Make sure your campfire is completely out when you leave or go to bed. Douse it with water, stir the ashes, feel to see if it’s cool.
  • Know the fire danger level where you are camping. If the danger is high, consider camping close to a paved road for a quick getaway.
  • Use a phone app to alert you to fires nearby.
  •  Park so that you can leave quickly if necessary. Leave things behind if there isn’t time to pack up.


 Thank you for keeping our forests safe!


If this message was forwarded to you, please subscribe here, explore our virtual bulletin board, and follow us on social media to ensure you get all our future updates. If you have questions or comments about this newsletter or any of HOWA’s work, please feel free to reach out to contact us. Thank you for your support.