March 2025

Thank you for the tremendous opportunity to serve HOWA over the past year. Unfortunately, due to personal circumstances I have chosen to resign from the Executive Director position with Homes on Wheels Alliance. Thank you again for this wonderful opportunity, and I look forward to working with HOWA leadership to make the transition as seamless as possible, with the least amount of disruption for this amazing staff team, and to leave HOWA on a strong footing to grow into the future. 

Thank you for putting your trust in me and for the opportunity to serve HOWA over the past year. It has been a highlight of my career, and I look forward to remaining a member of the HOWA community. The mission, vision, and values of the organization are strong, and I will do everything possible to ensure the organization remains on a path toward success.

J.D. McCrary

Executive Director

From Suanne: Transitions at HOWA

Sometimes, the unexpected happens. This is true for Homes On Wheels Alliance (HOWA) right now. J.D., our Executive Director (ED) since February 2024, has resigned due to some personal circumstances. His last day as HOWA’s ED is March 31st. During his time with us, J.D. brought new ideas and energy to the organization. We now have liability insurance with more comprehensive coverage in all US states, beginning in 2025, that allows for program staff and volunteers to improve nomad’s vehicles. Please read J.D.’s farewell message at the top of this newsletter and join me in wishing him well.

Until HOWA hires a new ED, Phyllis Bickford and I will be job-sharing the position as Co-Eds beginning April 1st. Both Phyllis and I have been with HOWA since its beginnings in 2018, myself as Co-Founder & its first ED, and Phyllis as Assistant Director. We are both on the Board of Trustees and recently held leadership positions at January’s RTR. We know the organization, love its mission and are ready to be employed again until we turn it over to a new ED.

Marieke, our technology support contractor, is moving on after March 31st as well. During her time with HOWA, Marieke grew HOWA’s use of technologies for both communication and operational purposes. In addition, she has supported and served as a valued member of our Development Committee. Her talents are diverse as Marieke also established and led the sewing services at the RTRs. Her many skills and talents will be missed as she moves into this next chapter of her life. Until we hire another technology support contractor, Marieke is documenting and sharing her work processes with us so we can continue to serve the community while operating smoothly.

Full-time employees Bobbi and Tracey are especially key to maintaining our organizational stability throughout this transition time, having been with HOWA for years. Both Bobbi and Tracey have worn many hats with the organization. Their experience, stability, and loyalty are invaluable. Bobbi will continue to provide client services, including coordination of the Caravans and Training Camp. Tracey runs the Emergency Fund and does administrative work. I look forward to working with them again.

Some of the services to be provided during Phyllis and my short-term stint as Co-EDs include – April’s Nomad Boondocking Skills Camp, the Caravans (virtual and in-person), Emergency Fund grants, and Fall’s BYOV solar installations for nomads in need. To make this all happen, we ask you for your financial support throughout 2025.

I’m excited for 2025 to collaborate and serve with HOWA’s staff and volunteers again ... some of the people whom I admire the most in this world!

Suanne Carlson

Vice-President

Co-Founder

Virtual and In-Person Caravan Camps: Make Friends

Also, nothing is better than camping together in person. HOWA offers multiple In-Person Caravan camps. Our current In-Person Caravan is near Alamo Lake, AZ. For more exact locations and details, please visit our In-Person Caravan page. You do not have to be alone while on the road. 

Emergency Fund: The unexpected happens to all of us

The Nomad Emergency Fund (eFund) Program of Homes On Wheels Alliance (HOWA) may be able to help with emergencies such as unexpected repairs to Nomads’ rigs, groceries due to an unexpected cash shortfall, gas funds to get to a job, and more. The eFund Program is for people who are active Nomads in need whose primary residence is their vehicle, in an unexpected, risky situation due to a sudden incident or series of events that are out of their control and without enough financial, family, or friend resources to fix their emergency. If you are a Nomad, actively living on the road, and legally driving your “home on wheels” (titled, registered, & insured) and find yourself in an unexpected situation, please visit our webpage for more information and the application. HOWA also offers a Tent Program for Nomads (vehicle dwellers) in financial need who require a tent for emergency or medical problems.

Please Give Generously

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—whether through a one-time or monthly donation, vehicle contributions, or gifts of stock. 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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