June 2025
 
 

Exciting Growth and Change at HOWA - Onward!

June has been a month of meaningful change and progress here at Homes On Wheels Alliance (HOWA). I’m excited to share two significant developments that reflect our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community.


First, the Virtual Caravan program—so valuable to so many nomads seeking connection and support—has officially transitioned out from under the HOWA umbrella. Moving forward, it will continue its journey under the direction of Team Mood Support. (Be sure to read more about this in the article below: “Virtual Caravans are Rolling Forward.”)


Second, the HOWA Development Committee has expanded, welcoming several dynamic new volunteers to the team. Their energy and fresh ideas are already contributing to HOWA’s mission to remain sustainable and continue serving the nomadic community with excellence.


While I’m able to summarize these updates in just a few sentences, each change has been the result of many hours of thoughtful planning, coordination, and dedication.

I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt thanks to Bobbi, Tracey, and Pete—our dedicated staff—who worked collaboratively to guide the Virtual Caravan transition. This was new territory for all involved, and each of them brought unique strengths and an incredible amount of care to the process.


Equally deserving of recognition are the members of our original Development Committee—all of whom are long-time, dedicated HOWA Trustees. After putting out a call for new members, they generously gave their time to respond to inquiries, coordinate introductions, and thoughtfully onboard our new volunteers. Their efforts have helped to ensure a seamless and welcoming transition.



We’re entering this next chapter with momentum and enthusiasm, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the team of staff and volunteers who make it all possible.


 

Phyllis Bickford

Interim Co-Executive Director
 
 

The Virtual Caravans are Rolling Forward

New Hosts, Same Heart

Back in June 2021 COVID was keeping us six feet apart, so HOWA built the Virtual Caravan Program—a free, drop‑in video chat where nomads could swap tips, find community, and keep loneliness at bay. Three years later, the Virtual Caravans have grown into five vibrant meet‑ups every week—and now they’re ready for the next leg of the journey.


Starting in July 2025, the Virtual Caravans will spin off to Team Mood Support at https://VirtualCaravans.org, also the home of The Nomad Chapter. Team Mood Support is hosting the first spin-off meetings to carry the Virtual Caravan concept into the future. Same volunteer spirit, same welcoming vibe—just a new patch on the quilt.


Why are the Virtual Caravans spinning off from HOWA?


  • Sustain the circle. Groups like Team Mood Support specialize in peer‑led online communities—perfect caretakers for an ever‑growing Virtual Caravans [https://www.VirtualCaravans.org].
  • Free up HOWA staff. Handing off day‑to‑day hosting lets us focus on mission-centric services like:
  • Growing Boondocking Training Camps—hands‑on survival workshops for brand new low‑income nomads.
  • Re‑launching “Bring Your Own Vehicle” (BYOV) events this fall, installing solar systems so nomads in financial need can power critical devices on the road.
  • Remaining nimble for current and future programs that will keep nomads-in-need safe and rolling.


The original HOWA Virtual Caravan webpage http://www.HomesOnWheelsAlliance.org/VC  will remain available until September 1st with:

  • Links to Virtual Caravan spin‑offs that follow the HOWA model.
  • Downloadable guides on “HOWA‑style” Virtual Caravans’ best practices.
  • Ready‑made scripts, topic lists, and tech tips—information needed to launch a Virtual Caravan of your own.


We’re immensely proud of what this Virtual Caravan community has built over the years and grateful to every facilitator, tech host, participant, and first-time guest who turned a video-chat into a family circle. Stewardship may shift, but the connections you forged remain—stronger than ever.


See you in the Virtual Caravans, and see you down the road!



—The HOWA Team
 
 

The Seasons of Nomadic Living


As summer unfolds, I’m reminded just how different this season feels compared to the rest of the year for those of us living the nomadic lifestyle.


In the winter, many nomads migrate south—like geese with wheels—seeking warmth and survival. We hunker down in places like southern Florida, along the Texas coast, or in Quartzsite, Arizona, to avoid the constant rain, snow, ice, and bone-chilling temperatures that can make vehicle-dwelling not just uncomfortable, but downright dangerous.


But come summer? We scatter! Nomads head off in all directions—chasing jobs, hugs, and highways. For some, summer is the season of work. It’s when we earn the income that carries us through the leaner months. Others take the time to reconnect with loved ones, catching up on missed holidays, exchanging stories, and soaking up all the hugs and kisses we missed while parked in the desert. And then there are those of us who travel just for the joy of it—to dip our toes in two (or three!) oceans, explore national parks, and meander down scenic backroads. Summer is our season of exploration, and we make the most of it.


The shoulder seasons—spring and fall—are when we settle in those “in-between” places: too hot in summer, too cold in winter. HOWA’s home base in Pahrump, Nevada, is one such sweet spot. That’s why we plan many of our events there in April and October, when the desert weather is at its most cooperative.


Looking ahead, we’re excited about what’s coming in October 2025:


  • Boondocking Training Camp – New nomads learn the ropes of life on the road and off-grid. Applications open next month.
  • BYOV (Bring Your Own Vehicle) – Qualified low-income nomads can apply for a free solar power system installation grant. Information available in July.
  • Caravan Camps – Our first of the season! These monthly camps often begin in Pahrump in the fall, migrate with the weather down to southwestern Arizona, and typically return to Pahrump again in the spring. Watch for more information in September.


Information about each of these events will be available at www.HOWA.org. Coming soon!


So, whether you're headed to a seasonal job, catching up with family, or just seeing how far your tank will take you, we hope this summer brings you joy, connection, and a few unbeatable sunsets. Wherever the road leads, HOWA is cheering you on.


Stay safe, stay curious—and don’t forget to check your tire pressure.



 
 

How Can I Help?

Homes on Wheels Alliance (HOWA) is transforming lives by providing safe and secure solutions to the nomad community. Through programs like the Nomad Emergency Fund, which offers critical financial assistance for vehicle repairs, Caravans that foster community among nomads, and our new Nomad Skill Building opportunity, HOWA empowers people to embrace a mobile lifestyle with dignity and hope.


Your support can make a profound impact —

make a one-time or monthly donation, supporting a HOWA program, donate stocks, donor advised funds or endowments, or

vehicle contributions.


Check out the HOWA sweepstakes featuring Bob Wells 4-wheel drive, diesel amulance!


Watch the HOWA website throughout the year for multiple ways to volunteer to contribute back to the community by serving at the

Rubbertramp Rendezvous

Bring Your Own Vehicle (BYOV) events

Virtual Caravans as a facilitator or tech host

In Person Caravans (October through April each year)



Together, we can ensure that more individuals have access to the resources and community they need to thrive. Visit our website to donate or learn more about how you can help us change lives today!
 
 

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Homes On Wheels Alliance, Inc. | 1970 N. Leslie Street Box 297 | Pahrump, NV 89060 US

Homes on Wheels Alliance, Inc., located at 1970 N. Leslie Street, #297, Pahrump, NV 89060, is a registered charitable organization soliciting contributions. Financial information about this organization and a copy of its current financial statement may be obtained by contacting howa@howa.org or, in certain states, by contacting the relevant state authority. Registration with a state agency does not imply endorsement, approval, or a recommendation by the state. If you have any questions about how your donation will be allocated or would like a copy of our financial statement, please contact us at howa@howa.org. Contributions may be tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law; please consult with your tax advisor.

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