Featured news
Hello Fellow Care-A-Vanners,
Dave and I just returned from A Decade of Dedication, a weeklong event held at the St. Tammany West HFH affiliate in Louisiana. We celebrated HFHI's 10 years of commitment to rebuilding the Gulf Coast by training and building with our Disaster Rebuild Team, who are RV Care-A-Vanners trained in disaster response and Disaster Corps volunteers. We trained 14 new Disaster Rebuild Team members and had the opportunity to interact and share experiences with our counterparts in the Disaster Corps program supported by Disaster Risk Reduction and Response Department at HFHI.
We were fortunate enough to have a number of the senior leadership team of HFHI join us for the event, including Jonathan Reckford, CEO of HFHI. Jonathan joined HFHI 10 years ago during the week Hurricane Katrina hit followed by Hurricane Rita and nine months after the Asian tsunami. As Jonathan told us, "We were facing unparalleled disasters that required an unprecedented response. It forever changed our idea of what was possible." In Asia, Habitat mobilized building 25,000 houses in five years. Just six weeks after Hurricane Katrina, Habitat began construction on the first house to help low-income, hurricane-affected families. The RV Care-A-Vanners were first on the scene and we are still there. Out of Katrina, the Disaster Corps volunteer program was born with the first class trained in 2006. These two programs, Disaster Corps volunteers and the Disaster Rebuild Team, have joined forces to aid affiliates in not only building capacity after disasters, but helping affiliates with disaster.
Before the hurricanes, Habitat affiliates along the Gulf Coast built about 57 houses per year. Since the hurricanes, these same affiliates have built, rehabbed or repaired an average of more than 400 houses per year, bringing the total to more than 6,000 homes since Katrina. Habitat St. Tammany West has done its share, completing 248 homes since the storm. During the event last week, we took four new homes from slab to trusses in between our classroom responsibilities and some rain that slowed the build teams up a bit. All in all, it was a great event.
In closing, let me quote a traditional Franciscan blessing that Jonathan shared with us, which challenges all of us to action:
May God bless you with discomfort at easy answers, half-truths and superficial relationships so that you may live deep within your heart.
May God bless you with anger at injustice, oppression, and exploitation of people, so that you may wish for justice, freedom and peace.
May God bless you with enough foolishness to believe that you can make a difference in this world so that you can do what others claim cannot be done.
Mary Vandeveld
RV Care-A-Vanner Program Manager
[email protected]
Announcements
Congratulations to George and Diane Gravlee for receiving the daily Points of Light award for their work with the RV Care-A-Vanners and their recent achievement of building in all 50 states. Great job George and Diane, we are proud of you!
Safety grants
The RV Care-A-Vanner Program has awarded two more safety grants to the Mississippi Gulf Coast HFH and St. Tammany West HFH. Both affiliates recently completed Competent Person training and St Tammany West hosted A Decade of Dedication. To date, the RV Care-A-Vanner Program has given over $26,000 in safety grants to affiliates. Thank you Master Safety Trainers for your efforts to keep all our volunteers safe.
Our office has moved
We are now located in the Rylander Building at 322 Lamar Street in downtown Americus. We are two blocks from the Global Discovery Center. If you are passing through Americus this winter, stop and say hi. We are here from late October to early April every winter.
Surveys
We are changing our procedure for sending out survey results to eliminate the backlog. Going forward, Dave Vandeveld will be sending the results within three weeks of completing the build. Brenda and I have been overwhelmed trying to keep up with them. Any issues on the surveys will still be brought to Brenda's and my attention, so we urge you to let us know how things went. We will also be revamping the survey itself. It will be considerably shorter and therefore take less time to complete. Please continue to share your experience with us.
Grant award to the RV Care-A-Vanners
The RV Care-A-Vanner Program received a $1,000 grant from a Charitable Trust. The grant was arranged by a Care-A-Vanner. Thank you!
RV Care-A-Vanner Travel with a Purpose PowerPoint presentation
If any of you are doing a presentation and would like a PowerPoint about Habitat for Humanity and the RV Care-A-Vanner Program, you can download the latest version of "RV CAV: Travel with a Purpose" from my drop box. Be sure to let me know how your presentation went!
RV CAV promo video
You can download a copy from my drop box and share it will all your RV friends. It is also on our website.
Why We Build stories are always so touching to read. Share yours with fellow Care-A-Vanners by sending your stories to [email protected].
Featured builds:
Forks, Washington is looking for some help in February and early March. They are right along the coast and the RV Park is open, so if you are in the area at that time, go to our build list to sign up.
Hours and stories needed:
We need everyone to report their hours to the Care-A-Vanner desk. If you are on a build without a team leader, be sure that someone is assigned to keep track of the hours. If you are a drop-in, those hours count, as do ReStore volunteer hours. Affiliates do not report your hours to the desk. I need hours worked and number of houses worked on. This data is very important for grant applications and grant reporting. We also love to hear those "Why We Build" stories! They are always so touching to read. It is the partner families that keep us motivated, so send your stories and your hours to [email protected].
Tithing connections
Hope that you all are having a wonderful holiday season! I'm excited to share with you a bit about the special Malawi Orphans and Vulnerable Groups Build that I led in September.
The tithe trip was truly transformative because we had 15 Habitat staff from 12 different U.S. affiliates represented. Our week consisted of a mix of learning, networking and building opportunities. We had the unique opportunity to learn about Habitat Malawi's four-year strategy from the national director, see their water and sanitation projects, participate in an OVG build, meet with their partners, conduct homeowner interviews, tour a local primary school, reflect on our experience together and much more.
We packed a lot in during that one week but we came away with a very deep understanding of the housing need in Malawi and the knowledge of how Habitat Malawi is addressing that need by supporting orphans and vulnerable groups throughout the country in a holistic way. We are true advocates of this work with a goal to promote it back home so that others may also know about the life-changing work that Habitat is doing in partnership with orphans and vulnerable groups in countries around the world like Malawi.
There are a number of team members that blogged about their experiences on the trip. I want to share with you one part of a blog by Kevin Campbell, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Wake County in North Carolina:
"I visited in several newly constructed and occupied Habitat homes – modest 400-square-foot homes with bricks made from the dirt in the yard, metal roof sheets and concrete. What startled me was that the homes contained no possessions. Nothing. No things, no furniture, no basic household tools, no food, no extra sets of clothes.
No things, but plenty of smiles, singing, drumming, dancing and a generosity of helping others in the village in an amazing cooperative spirit. 'Where is your mosquito net?' 'I gave it to my neighbor because they have a newborn who is more at risk of dying from malaria than my 5-year-old.' That kind of generosity!"
We are planning to replicate this unique OVG build to Lesotho in September 2016. If you're interested, please contact me.
Katie Grover
Tithe specialist, Habitat for Humanity International
[email protected]
Windows to Washington - December
Thank you, wonderful Care-A-Vanners, for using your voices!
How time flies! As we move into the holidays, the Government Relations and Advocacy team would like to thank each of you for the incredible support you provide Habitat for Humanity across the country. Your dedication to the cause of decent housing and the can-do spirit you take to every affiliate you visit inspires us.
In addition to the time you take to build homes, we deeply appreciate your help building impact. By recognizing that construction, while vitally important to Habitat's model, won't alone ensure that everyone has a decent place to live, you help us spread the word about the importance of smart housing policy. The more people who know about the need for decent housing, the better. The more people who understand that Habitat is working to meet that need, the better. And the more people who appreciate that the global need for decent housing won't be met until every city, county, state and country has smart policies in place, the better.
That's where you, and the time you take to read this column and spread the word, are so important. If you'd like to learn even more about how our voices make an impact, please join us at Habitat on the Hill 2016. We'd so very much like to have you there that we've created a special discount code for use by Care-A-Vanners only: CAVVoices (no space). Register today to join us in February 2016 at http://bit.ly/HOTH2016.
As always, if you have questions about advocacy, ideas for what you'd like to see in this column, or stories to share about working with your lawmakers, please don't be shy – reach out at [email protected]
Lastly, if you would like to hear from us more than once a month, sign up for more information. You can start every week with a Weekly Good News update highlighting an advocacy victory from the global network: http://bit.ly/HFHGoodNews.
Happy holidays from all of us in Washington, D.C.!
Team leader corner
It was nice to put a few more names with faces at the Decade of Dedication build in Mandeville.
A very special thank you goes out to our November telm Leaders. They are Larry and Diane Mock, Laura and Jeff Walker, Dyana Todd, Bob Pauls and Warren Hopper.
Remember, if you've been thinking about becoming a team leader but are not sure what's involved, contact me at [email protected] and I will send you the guidelines.
Rosters
If you are unable to read the roster I send you, or things appear to be on the wrong lines, chances are you have a Mac or iPad and Word documents do not format correctly. Just let me know and I will send them in PDF. Also, please remember to include the GV number or at least the date of your build when contacting the CAV desk about a build. It makes it so much easier to find the build you are referencing.
Important news
To show our appreciation to those of you who have or will volunteer to be team leaders, we have designed a beautiful T-shirt that has the "Travel with a Purpose" logo, as well as "team leader" printed on it. Each year you serve as team leader at least once, you will receive a T-shirt. Each year will be a different color. I have been collecting T-shirt sizes and mailing addresses for 2015 team leaders. If I have not yet contacted you, please send me an email with your sizes and mailing address. As soon as I catch up with the 2015 team leaders, I will start collecting the information for 2016 team leaders. I hope this will be an incentive for more people to become team leaders.
Surveys
We have instituted a new way to give feedback to team leaders on the build surveys. Dave Vandeveld, our survey coordinator, will forward the PDF files directly to the team leaders once they are collated. He reviews them before sending them out and, if there are any comments requiring a response or follow-up, he will alert me so that I can follow up. As always, if you have any questions or concerns regarding the surveys, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Devotions
I would like to start a collection of devotions that can be sent to any team leader who requests it. Please send me one or two of your favorite devotions. Please remember that devotions can be religious/spiritual or secular. Words that motivate or inspire make good devotions.
Finally, team leaders are needed for the following builds. If you are available and willing, please contact me.
| January 3 – 17 | Fellsmere, Florida |
| January 3 – 17 | Fort Meyers, Florida |
| January 10 – 24 | Lafayette, Louisiana |
| January 17 – 31 | Vero Beach, Florida |
| January 24 – February 7 | Sebring, Florida |
| January 24 – February 7 | Lafayette, Louisiana |
Thank you and happy hammering!
Brenda Sawyer
Team leader coordinator
[email protected]
Spread the word
Send your RV friends a Care-A-Vanner brochure about this wonderful mission by pasting this PDF into an email or just printing it out to give to fellow RVers in campgrounds
Safety corner
RV Care-A-Vanners will be increasingly involved in rebuilding projects subsequent to natural disasters. These types of builds require some special safety precautions to be aware of.
For building in previously flooded areas:
Flooding can cause the disruption of water purification and sewage disposal systems, overflowing of toxic waste sites and the dislodging of chemicals previously stored above ground. These contaminants can cause sickness in workers and others who come in contact with contaminated floodwater. Most cases of sickness associated with flood conditions are brought about by ingesting contaminated food or water. Tetanus, however, can be acquired from contaminated soil or water entering broken areas of the skin, such as cuts, abrasions or puncture wounds. Pools of standing or stagnant water become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of encephalitis, West Nile Virus or other mosquito-borne diseases.
Precautions include:
Avoid waterborne disease; wash your hands with soap and clean, running water, especially before work breaks, meal breaks and at the end of the work shift.
Don't assume that any water in flooded or surrounding areas is safe unless the local or state authorities have specifically declared it to be safe.
Decrease the risk of mosquito and other insect bites by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants and by using insect repellants.
Wash your hands with soap and water. If the water source has not been declared safe it must be boiled or disinfected before use.
These precautions should be considered and evaluated based on your particular build situation.
Frank Peccia
RV Care-A-Vanner Safety
Collegiate Challenge and Care-A-Vanners
There are still a few spots open if you are interested in working with college students on a one-week build next March. As I write the last week of November, the following still have openings:
- Taos, New Mexico: Three open spots for the week of Feb. 28, one spot open for the week of March 6 and three spots open for the week of March 20.
- Macon, Georgia: One spot left for the week of March 6.
- Beaumont, Texas: One spot left for the week of March 27.
George and I just returned from Covington, Louisiana, where we helped frame four houses at a one-week build entitled A Decade of Dedication, which remembered all the volunteer work done in the Gulf coast after Katrina. It was exciting to be a part of this celebration, which also included disaster and safety training for many of those participating.
We wish everyone a very blessed Christmas and happy building in 2016!
Diane Gravlee
Collegiate Challenge coordinator
[email protected]
Welcome new Care-A-Vanners
Thomas Ciancetta and Patricia Clausi, Jason English and Kirsten Huras, Jerry and Gloria Gage, Dan and Merlene Goan, Rob and Cathy Graebe, Debbi and Bryan Hayes, Tim and Cindy Jacobson, Steve and Carol Junko, Paul Katner, Bill Lyon, Bill and Rita Malotte, Jon Nichols and Susan Burch, Jake Pasterski and Megan Jurvis, Paul and Cynthia Pronze, Dave Rodrigues.
Our apologies if we have included a seasoned Care-A-Vanner or if this is a duplication. Habitat for Humanity is grateful for the work that you do!
Disaster Rebuild
Hurricane season is almost over and as we all pray for no landfalls, we are ready if needed. Remember our mission in disaster response is to come in at the time of the rebuild efforts and to stay until the last house is replaced or repaired. A lot has to happen before rebuild begins including permitting, fundraising, FEMA grant application and awards, building capacity at the affiliate, family selection, etc. It is easy to remember the disaster that just happened, but where we need the help is the disaster that happened two or three years ago.
HFHI Disaster Risk Reduction and Recovery, our partners, are also working with affiliates to do fortified building to reduce injuries and damage to homes and when a disaster does strike. This includes building safe rooms in tornado area, hip roofs in hurricane zones and using anchoring systems appropriate for the risk. If you are interested in learning more about fortification standards, please review IBHS Fortified for Safer Living Standards. Your knowledge can help our affiliates learn more about these new building practices.
- Tuscaloosa, Alabama: Tuscaloosa is still building homes for people who lost their housing unit in the 2011 tornado. To date, they have completed 55 houses, and yes, there are tornado victims who still have not gotten into homes. Our mission continues there as we stay until the last home is replaced. Tuscaloosa loves the Care-A-Vanners and has builds listed throughout the year. It is a very nice place to work.
- South Carolina flooding: There was some work on a few houses in Georgetown that is being handled by non-HFHI volunteers. The Habitat affiliates in Columbia and Myrtle Beach are either not responding to the disaster or do not want HFHI volunteer help at this point. That could change, so stay tuned.
- Fire season out West: As you have seen from the news broadcasts, this is an epic fire season out west. Preliminary reports indicate that there are low-income families affected and we will offer to help when the rebuild begins. Assessments are still being done. We do have someone on the ground out there who is reporting any needs. They are not ready to rebuild at this time.
Questions, cancellations or concerns?
1-800-HABITAT, ext. 7534
1-229-410-7534 (direct)
[email protected]
RV Care-A-Vanner staff contact info
Current list of active builds
Builds list
How to register for a build online
Step-by-step instructions
Roster updates
Please email updated roster information to [email protected] or [email protected], or call 1-229-410-7534
Report Care-A-Vanner hours
Help us keep track of total volunteer hours contributed, and partner families served. Please email these stats from your drop-in or ongoing builds to [email protected].
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