Featured news

Hello Fellow Care-A-Vanners,

Are you all feeling like you are working a little more? Well you are. Our builds are up more than over 13 percent in the first half of FY16 compared to last year. We are on pace to surpass well over 200 builds this year – that is if I don't have to cancel a lot of builds for lack of participants! Go to our build list and see if you can pick up just one more build on your way north this spring.

In other news, if you have done a build in the last month, you will have gotten one of our new and improved surveys. They are shorter and encourage you to give us your opinion on the build and the affiliate. Brenda's and my track record for getting surveys back to affiliates and team leaders in a timely fashion has been abysmal lately because we have been swamped with other duties related to running this busy program. Dave has taken over that responsibility and is getting the surveys back within three to four weeks of completion of the build. If there are concerns expressed on the survey, Dave brings those concerns to our attention – usually in the form of a shout across the motorhome. Thank you Dave, for your help!

Speaking of build teams, we always need team leaders. Brenda does a great job recruiting team leaders, but at times she really has difficulty getting anyone willing to take the responsibility. I have to admit, I get frustrated on builds with no team leader when I read complaints from Care-A-Vanners about not receiving prebuild information in a timely fashion or that the build was disorganized. If everyone took their turn at team leading, we could easily cover every build. Besides, if you team lead, we will send you a RV Care-A-Vanner team leader T-shirt, compliments of the Care-A-Vanner desk. How cool is that?

In safety news, we graduated 14 new Master Safety Trainers in December. They will be out training over the coming months, getting certified to train on their own. We have asked them to give the four-hour General Safety Awareness course to as many Care-A-Vanners as they can find. To date, nearly 300 Care-A-Vanners have taken that course and it shows as I think you have had a big impact on changing the safety culture out in affiliate land. Great job.

Coming up in the next few months are our first Americus builds. I am very excited to bring Care-A-Vanners back to Americus where our program was born. I will have a report on these builds coming up in a future newsletter. By the way, we still have one slot available for the second build starting on March 6.

Thank you all for your hard work as builders, as team leaders, as Master Safety Trainers, as Care-A-Vanner desk staff, as Collegiate Challenge crew leaders and as Disaster Rebuild Team members. You are having an impact!

Mary Vandeveld
RV Care-A-Vanner Program Manager
[email protected]
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Safety corner

I know you are used to one of our Master Safety Trainers providing you with safety information here and that is important, but I thought this month I would share a little bit about the evolution of our safety program with you.

Back in 2011, OSHA announced that it would begin enforcing their regulations for residential construction after residential homebuilders had failed to lower their accident rates on job sites. Habitat was the sixth-largest homebuilder in the country and we knew we had to help our affiliates come into compliance and most importantly, keep our volunteers safe. In the summer of 2013, I had some discussions with Derrick Morris, the manager of the U.S. Office of Construction Technology about how we might help them gear up their safety program. At that point, Don Hartle was the only safety trainer on staff and he was tasked with training all 1,500 affiliates across the country. This was a great opportunity for the Care-A-Vanner Program. I knew we not only had skilled builders but people with an interest and a background in safety. After taking applications, we selected and trained our first class of Master Safety Trainers in December of 2013. At our 25th Anniversary Build and Rally in Springfield, Missouri, in April of 2014 we made a commitment to make safety our priority. All of our Care-A-Vanners who attended the event took our four-hour General Safety Awareness course taught by our newly trained Master Safety Trainers under the guidance of Safety Specialist Don Hartle. On the job site, our Master Safety Trainers got experience monitoring a job site and teaching safe practices to the builders. Our construction leaders followed safe building practices and therefore OSHA regulations and we had no incidents. We highlighted safety at our rally, getting the attention of Jonathan Reckford and others on the senior leadership team of HFHI.

Today, more than 300 Care-A-Vanners have taken the General Safety Awareness course and we have trained our second class of Master Safety Trainers. I have seen a dramatic change in the safety culture on job sites across the country as reported by Care-A-Vanners. The affiliates are also getting the safety message through HFHI publications, presentations, email blasts and from our Master Safety Trainers and Care-A-Vanners who are bringing safety in person to affiliates.

Finally, I want to recognize the work that our Master Safety Trainers are doing as volunteers committed to safety. Through this program, 25 percent of registration fees paid by affiliates to take the Competent Person safety course is returned to the Care-A-Vanner Program. This money was originally intended to help fund our program as we have no funding source through HFHI, just donations from our members. But after getting feedback from our Master Safety Trainers in the field, more funding is needed to help affiliates purchase safety equipment. So I instituted our RV Care-A-Vanner Safety Grant program where we are now giving out grants, generally around $2,000 each, to affiliates to help them purchase much-needed safety equipment. These grants are awarded on a first come, first served basis with preference given to affiliates that the Care-A-Vanner Program serves. To date, $26,158.00 has been paid out with another $2,000 grant going out in the next few weeks. All of the money that has come to our program through registration fees has been returned to affiliates in the form of grants.

Thanks to our Master Safety Trainers for making all of this possible; training for affiliates, training for our Care-A-Vanners and funding for that vital safety equipment that affiliates need to keep our most precious resource at Habitat, our volunteers, safe.

Mary Vandeveld
RV Care-A-Vanner program manager
Email: [email protected]

Announcements

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 Village & 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.

Proper build etiquette
Arrival day for builds is Sunday. If you would like to arrive early, you must clear it with your team leader first. Often we have back to back teams at a build and there is not a camp site open until Sunday. The same holds true for staying late.

Dade City 2016 winter builds
A number of you have contacted the CAV desk to ask why all the Dade City builds disappeared from our internet listings. It was at the request of the affiliate. They were concerned about having enough work and did not want to add any more rigs to their current builds even if someone dropped out. I know that is not good news for anyone on the waitlists for Dade City, but we don't want to send you to a build that doesn't have work for 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 dropbox. Be sure to let me know how your presentation went!

RV CAV promo video
You can download a copy from my dropbox and share it with all your RV friends. It is also on our website.

Why We Build
Your stories are always so touching to read. Share yours with fellow Care-A-Vanners by sending your Why We Build stories to [email protected].

Featured builds:

Collegiate Challenge: GV16-0220 Winder, Georgia CC March 6-13, 2016
This build needs help! This is a new affiliate to us, so let's get some signups and welcome them to our program!

Collegiate Challenge: Taos, New Mexico: We have builds listed in March and need help! 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. It is the partner families that keep us motivated, so send your stories and your hours to [email protected].

Tithing connections

During fiscal year 2015, U.S. affiliates tithed more than $13.3 million to support Habitat's international work. But did you know that our National Organizations also tithe on their locally raised revenue? We are excited to share with you just a few examples of tithes between national organizations this past fiscal year 2015.

El Salvador
Habitat El Salvador tithed to Guatemala in the amount of $5,000 to show support for their 75,000th housing solution that was celebrated in Guatemala in November 2015.
Also, Habitat El Salvador sent a special tithe of $11,145 to Habitat Nepal in order to show solidarity for post-earthquake recovery.

Paraguay
Last year, Habitat Paraguay tithed to Habitat Chile as a way of thanking them for their continued support that enabled their organization to qualify for an internationally recognized certification of its quality management systems. This will give Habitat Paraguay a stronger starting point for organizational growth.

Guatemala
Habitat Guatemala has tithed more than $540,000 in its history to many different countries. A recent tithe to Tajikistan helped fund an innovative bio filters program.

Lesoth
Mathabo Makuta, the national director of Habitat Lesotho, recently learned about an opportunity to "pay it forward". Just like Habitat Lesotho, Habitat Zambia has a strong focus on providing shelter solutions for orphans and vulnerable groups that are largely impacted by the HIV/AIDs epidemic. The two countries located in Southern Africa have a lot in common - both are hard hit by extreme poverty where many citizens live below US$1 a day, a high unemployment rate and widespread food insecurity.

Mathabo Makuta shares: "Since Habitat Lesotho is implementing a similar program to Habitat Zambia, we understand fully the extent and the magnitude of this shelter problem for orphans and vulnerable groups. We wish to extend a small token of financial support to Habitat Zambia to help meet this mammoth task of eliminating poverty housing, especially for the most vulnerable. We were informed that US$5,000 will help at least two vulnerable families access decent and safe shelter that will transform their lives. We are so grateful for the support that we receive from our partners, including our tithe partners in the U.S., and we are happy that we can 'pay it forward' with this gift"

Kanyata Mukelabai, the national director of Habitat Zambia, was overjoyed by this news of Habitat Lesotho's tithe to Zambia. "This indeed is a true reflection of God's love," said Kenyatta. "There are no words that can be befitting of the gratitude Habitat Zambia feels towards this gesture. Mathabo and Habitat Lesotho can rest assured that this support will greatly serve these two families and future generations to come"

We look forward to sharing with you more examples of national organization tithing. Together, we are building a world where everyone has a decent place to live.

Katie Grover
Tithe specialist, Habitat for Humanity International
[email protected]

Windows to Washington - February

Just say "no" to patchwork!

Our newest advocacy campaign "Say 'no' to patchwork!" is going to rile up quilting clubs across America. But if people are paying attention, the issue should motivate cooking clubs, book clubs, wine clubs and, well, everybody in the country.

When we talk about "patchwork," we're not talking about the quilts that kept so many of us warm during the recent winter storm Jonas. We're talking about our country's housing finance system, which is currently operated and regulated through a piecemeal framework that is failing to serve many prepared, responsible borrowers in need of safe, decent and affordable housing.

The 2008 economic crisis created a great deal of confusion and, in response, there were many quick fixes aimed at stopping the downward slide. Unfortunately, our current housing finance system is now a patchwork of those quick fixes, which have made it too hard for people who should qualify for loans to get them. In finance speak, "credit is too tight". The past crash and current uncertainty around laws and the housing market has left everyone too nervous to make a move that could be risky.

The good news is that enough years have passed since the collapse of the housing market to know which approaches are working and which are not. We can see that the U.S. government is currently responsible for too much of the housing market, and private parties such as banks, investors and homeowners need to support homeownership again in a responsible way. In short, we're calling on Congress to pass responsible reform that would restructure the system to ensure the future liquidity, stability and resiliency of housing markets.

Home is where opportunities begin. If everyone who desires to be a responsible homeowner could become one, we'd see incredible benefits for those individuals and families, their communities and the entire economy. The U.S. housing market can't fully recover as long as people who would be successful homeowners are shut out. With an ever-increasing number of people across the country struggling to find safe, decent and affordable housing, now is the time to address the uncertainties of the current regulatory scheme.

Quilters, put down your needles and thread. Bibliophiles, put down your books; oenophiles, your glasses; and chefs, your tongs. Everyone, pick up your pens, phones or computers and join Habitat for Humanity in saying "no" to patchwork and "yes" to responsible reform!

Team leader corner

Hello team leaders and team leaders-to-be!

A very special thank-you goes out to our January team leaders. They are: Rickey and Joyce Smith, Lowell and Linda Lamont, Tom and Judy Fox, Dyana Todd, Jeff and Laura Walker, Mark and Suanne Moon, Roger Harvey, Tom Wilcox, Dennis and Christine Davis, Bill and Idamae Downs, Gord and Helen Grant, Dean and Deborah Huber, Bob and Dottie Birch, George and Diane Gravlee, Kurt Newton, Bob and Sharon Hammer, John and Kathryn Dech, Philip and Jan Upton, Pat Dugand, Judy and Chuck Sambs, Larry and Carol Russel and Bill and France Moriarty. That is quite an impressive list and contains several new team leaders. This program does not work without you! Thank you!
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.

Welcome letters
When sending your welcome letter to your team, please try to remember to send me a copy. If you are leading more than one build in the same location, there is no need to send me more than one. I am starting a file of information from the various affiliates so that I will have it to send to teams that have no team leader.

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.

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.

More on devotions
This topic has come up recently in discussion and on evaluations. Some potential team leaders have declined the opportunity to be team leaders because they are not comfortable with devotions as they do not consider themselves "religious". Devotions are a good way to start the day and can be anything the person chooses to share, such as a poem, a statistic, an interesting story, a personal experience or a highlight from the previous day's work. Team members, local volunteers, board members, family members and construction staff can all be encouraged to pick a day to lead devotions. Devotions can, but do not have to, conclude with a prayer. If a team leader is not comfortable leading a prayer, they can offer a moment of silence for private reflection/prayer, or invite others on the team to lead the prayer if they are so moved.

As a team leader, you may have team members who do not want to take part in prayer. If that is the case, they should be invited to take part in the devotion and step back for the prayer. Since instructions for the day are usually given before or after devotions, you should be sure that the team member is present for that part of the morning meeting.

Habitat for Humanity is a Christian organization and while not all who participate, including volunteers and partner families, necessarily share the same religious beliefs, we all share the value of working together to end substandard housing. In our present world of ever-growing diversity, it is important that we make room for people of all faiths and beliefs to stand with us as we join together with a common goal of helping families obtain decent, safe and affordable housing. May all who come feel welcome.

Finally, team leaders are needed for the following builds. If you are available and willing, please contact me.

March 6 – 20	Sebring, Florida
March 13 – 27	Fellsmere, Florida
March 13 – 27	Vero Beach, Florida
March 27 – April 10	Sebring, Florida

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.

Collegiate Challenge and Care-A-Vanners

As I write from sunny Fort Myers, Florida, at the end of January, I realize again how blessed George and I are to have this program to give purpose and fun to our travels. Below are the places hosting students during March that could still use some Care-A-Vanners to help supervise. These affiliates would welcome your experience and help, so please consider signing up for one of these weeks if it fits into your schedule.

Also, if you looked at Corpus Christi and hesitated due to the cost per night of $30, that cost has now been reduced down to $25 per night with the week of March 6 being six nights and the week of March 20 being just four nights. Please check the build list for the builds marked CC.

Week of Feb. 28	Taos, New Mexico	2 rigs
Week of March 6	Taos, New Mexico	1 rig
Week of March 6	Corpus Christi, Texas	2 rigs
Week of March 6	Winder, Georgia	3 rigs
Week of March 13	Taos, New Mexico	1 rig
Week of March 13	Macon, Georgia	2 rigs (now open)
Week of March 20	Taos, New Mexico	2 rigs
Week of March 20	Corpus Christi, Texas	3 rigs (3 days)*

*The Corpus Christi, Texas, build is just three days, Monday through Wednesday, as students have Thursday off to tour and the affiliate doesn't work on Good Friday.

Don't forget that any regular two-week build listed in March could include working with students even if the build is not listed as a Collegiate Challenge build on the schedule.

Diane Gravlee
Collegiate Challenge coordinator
[email protected]

Welcome new Care-A-Vanners

Welcome Al and Debbie Adams, Mark and Joan Aebig, Bill and Dorothy Bolton, Hubert Bourne, Michael and Osha Breez, John and Vicki Burnette, Sandra Burton, Debra Dobbins, Bill Fleetwood, Curt Hall, Tom Henningsen, Mike and Robin Herb, Eddie and Vanessa Hower, Rob Kermanj, Alec Kirste, LeWayen and Marjorie Kroeger, Lloyd and Dianne McDermott, Rick and Donna Palm, Richard and Nancy Roberts, Jim Sacherman, Eric Silberborn, Jim and Jeri Slinger, Terry Tonn, Harold and Sheryl Travis, Larry and Betty Weber and Karen Wimberly.

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 over but we have news of record flooding in the Midwest. We are receiving regular updates and I will keep you informed. 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 areas, 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.

Central Illinois: The community of Kincaid, Illinois, has 1,400 residents and 600 homes. Fourty homes were critically damaged. The homeowners did not have flood insurance nor do they have the resources to get their home repaired. The community came together and gutted the 40 homes but now need help putting them back together. Habitat for Humanity of Sangamon County in Springfield, Illinois, is mobilizing to help. There are some things that have to come together before we can deploy the Disaster Rebuild Team. These include the affiliate expanding their service area to include the Kincaid community and working with local agencies to determine the lead agency for the repairs. Then permitting has to occur. I will send out an email blast when we are ready to mobilize help.
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.

Questions, cancellations or concerns?
[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].

Support the Care-A-Vanners
Donate now