April 2026

Stay Cool - Stay Safe

The Southwest saw record-breaking temperatures this winter and the forecast for the rest of the U.S. points toward a summer that will be both hotter and drier than average. It's not always possible to avoid hot weather, however, there are ways to stay cool even when you don't have air conditioning.

  Tips for staying cool

·      If you must park in the sun park with the front or rear of your vehicle to the south

·      Cover windows to block the sun

·      Hang a thick curtain or blanket between the cab and living area

·      Use an awning or shade cloth to keep one side of your vehicle cooler

·      Drink plenty of water

·      Use a spray bottle to wet your clothing and body

·     Take advantage of air conditioning in the hottest part of the day by visiting cooling centers, libraries, malls, museums, and community centers.

·      Head up in elevation!

Fortunately, one of the greatest perks of vehicle dwelling is mobility but many new nomads make the mistake of driving north when they should be driving up.

It is a common misconception that "North" always equals "Cooler." In reality, elevation is the most effective thermostat. For every 1,000 feet gained in elevation, the ambient temperature drops by approximately 3 °F (or about 2°C).

 Driving 500 miles north might only net a few degrees of relief while a quick 30-minute drive up a mountain pass can drop the temperature by 15 degrees.

A google search for “elevation of anywhere in the US” will bring up several free-to-use map programs that pinpoint the exact elevation of any location by clicking on the map.

Join the Spring and Summer Caravans!

Typically the In-Person Caravan gatherings take place from October - March in the Arizona, Nevada, and California. Many of the trustees and volunteers who serve as anchors/hosts are in the area during those months as are many nomads but we all tend to scatter as the weather warms and the desert becomes too hot.

We want to expand the Caravan Program and continue the caravans into the spring and summer months so that nomads who live in other areas can attend. Since this is experimental, a lot will depend on whether we have volunteers to serve as anchors and whether they can find a suitable spot for a caravan. With that in mind the caravans may be a little different. We may not be able to give the general location notice as early and the caravan may be one week instead of two.

We would love for you send us ideas for good boondocking locations. The locations should be free of charge and large enough for 20- 30 people. Smaller locations will also be considered however we will need to limit how many people get the coordinates by having a signup sheet. Email us HERE with the details of your favorite spots!

A Happy Hele Box Recipient

In early March Hele Outddoors shipped Hele Boxes to the first five recipients of HOWA's Hele Box Program. Thank you, Hele Outdoors, for this donation that will improve the lives of these nomads!

Recently Anita sent us photos of her Hele Box in use. The light construction and easy setup made using the bed in both her minivan and tent possible even for an older, disabled nomad.

"I spent the first 5 Nomad weeks in a sleeping bag on the floor of my van. Then my guardian Angel worked through Hele and Home On Wheels Alliance to bless me with this fabulous, integral, comfortable bed platform. Wow had no idea this existed. It is gorgeous and super easy to both setup and breakdown. And if I, a 69 year old disabled female with back surgery history, can quickly and successfully do it-ANYONE CAN!!! I know this is probably more info than you expected, but it positively reflects the ease and comfort of the bed platform.

Thanks to all involved who either donated and/or worked to create the give away program I love you all and can’t thank you enough for your generosity which in turn made my van living comfortable and safe!! Just cannot use enough adjectives to try to reflect what a difference you have made in my life!!

With Gratitude, Anita"

Hele Outdoors will donate more Boxes in May or June 2026. Check the HOWA website for announcements!

Please Donate to our Programs

HOWA's programs are free of charge to all participants. But to keep them free we depend on generous supporters and donors like you. It's easy to donate by choosing an automatic monthly payment. Even a small amount helps! Please Donate Thank you!

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