Habitat for Humanity RV Care-A-Vanners

[kb0zke]

This sounds interesting. We're finishing up our second Laborers For Christ project, which helps Lutheran congregations with their building projects. I'm not sure that commercial construction is really my "cup of tea" but maybe Habitat would work.

[nvestysly]

Originally Posted by kb0zke

This sounds interesting. We're finishing up our second Laborers For Christ project, which helps Lutheran congregations with their building projects. I'm not sure that commercial construction is really my "cup of tea" but maybe Habitat would work.

We know some other RVers that have built with Laborers for Christ. It seems like our friends enjoyed their time with that organization, and they continue to work with LFC from time to time, but Habitat suits their schedule better.

Habitat has a wide variety of locations and dates throughout the year. I'm not sure if that's the case for other building/construction groups.

We look forward to seeing you down the road!

[kb0zke]

I just signed up for the Brookings, SD build. I'll probably sign up for another one in a couple of days.

[nvestysly]

Originally Posted by kb0zke

I just signed up for the Brookings, SD build. I'll probably sign up for another one in a couple of days.

I hope your enjoy your experience. We've always had a good time. That's not to say there are not problems. Any time you mix people from a variety of backgrounds things can get a little tense at times. For us, the tense moments are the exception not the norm.

Personality types, tool availability, material availability, weather, and other factors can play a role in the level of satisfaction on a Habitat project. Keep an open mind, even if you know how to do a job consider asking the project leader how they want it done. Each Habitat affiliate has unique methods of building a house - it's always good to ask prior to jumping right in.

Be sure to keep us posted on your experience. Inquiring minds want to know.

[nvestysly]

If anybody out there is "on the fence" due to the normal two-week Habitat for Humanity project, you have three opportunities this summer to get your feet wet and only commit to one week.

I noticed the following projects listed on the RV Care-A-Vanner build list:

June 21-28: White Sulphur Springs, WV

July 12 - 19: Petersburg, WV

August 23 - 30: Marion, OH

Danielle and I will likely sign-up for one of these but we're not sure which one yet. Still working on our summer calendar.

See the complete project list HERE

[nvestysly]

Danielle and I participated in the July 12 - 19 project in Petersburg, WV. This was a unique project with 60+ high school students and their chaperones on the job site. Danielle and I worked in a crew-leader capacity to guide 8-10 students each day. Wow, was that ever a challenge!

Here are a few pictures showing the progress of the house. We started with a slab, erected SIP (Structural Insulated Panels) exterior walls and conventional interior walls on day one. By the end of the week the roof was complete, the windows were installed, the exterior doors were hung and much of the siding was complete.

It's amazing what can be done when manpower is available!

Habitat for Humanity - building decent, affordable homes.

RV Care-A-Vanners... Travel With A Purpose.

[cwf]

Kewl!

[nvestysly]

We recently participated on a special project in Covington, LA recognizing the 10 years since Hurricane Katrina. The event was refered to as A Decade of Dedication.

The building project and series of training classes were sponsored by the local affiliate - St. Tammany West, the Disaster Corp arm of Habitat for Humanity International, and RV Care-A-Vanners. There were over 50 people partcipating.

I'll post pictures soon.

[nvestysly]

House 1 was underway when we arrived on Monday

We worked on four houses - side by side - some work was started the week prior so some walls were already erected.



House 2 was also underway



House 3 started at the slab



House 4 was also at slab when our group arrived.

[Bev1940]

I spent Jan, Feb and most of March on the Thibodeaux build and really enjoyed it. The Habitat supeviser Tony was great and I got to meet and work with a lot of people who were only there for 2 weeks, and the hours are basicly 8:30 to 3 with breaks and lunch its less than a 6 hour work day.

[nvestysly]

Bev1940,

Sounds like you had a great time - keep up the good work and post some pictures when you have time.

We were at the same affilaliate several years ago and had a good time too. Lots of great food and friendly people!

Haven't had a bad RV CAV experience yet. They're all different and unique in some way or another. Approach it with an open mind and be flexible and everything will work out.

[nvestysly]

Danielle and I were in Omaha, NE recently and volunteered with the Habitat affiliate for two days. This was not an RV CAV project - we simply called ahead to see if they had some work we could help with.

Our Airstream B190 parked in the Habitat lot. The affiliate provided 30/50A, water, WiFi and a shower facility. Dump station is at a nearby campground. Yes, we still have our 29' trailer.



Lucius trimming the top plate (double plate) on the closet.



Danielle bending/forming aluminum sheet into soffit trim

[PKI]

Really commend you for your support of HFH. Thank you for your services and contribution.

Travel safe. I think you found a fantastic way to put smiles on faces. Pat

[Gearheart]

I could be interested in doing this but I don't see much opportunity in Canada. The last time I tried to cross into the USA with tools in the car I was turned back at the border and accused of trying to encroach on American jobs by an over zealous border guard. I was going to visit my brother in Cleveland and help him work on his garage. This was pre 911 and border issues were a lot looser then than now.

[DanB]

Danielle looks like she's working out at the local gym! Good job and hats off to you both!

I just dropped $20 at the local ReStore yesterday for a complete set of great condition leatherbound books on the history of watercraft. Gotta love that store!

[Bev1940]

I carry a toolbox for my trailer and have never had a problem at the border. Since lots of retirees head south for the winter it's not a big issue just don't use the V word.

[Gearheart]

Originally Posted by Bev1940

I carry a toolbox for my trailer and have never had a problem at the border. Since lots of retirees head south for the winter it's not a big issue just don't use the V word.

When the tools include a skilsaw, a cordless drill kit, a carpenter's apron with 2 hammers, a hard hat and safety boots it sets off alarm bells.

[Bev1940]

Habitat builds provide all the tools there is no need to carry any you would not use on the trailer.

[nvestysly]

There are many aspects to Habitat for Humanity...

And we've encountered one more this week in Lewisburg, WV

Lewisburg and the surrounding area experienced widespread flash floods last week (June 24, 2016). My wife and I are attending the WBCCI Rally in Lewisburg and the rally has suffered minor problems such as power outages and a boil water advisory. Local businesses are generally open. Many homes and businesses are still cleaning up debris and regrouping after the floods. It's amazing to see the aftermath!

The office and ReStore of the local Habitat affiliate were flooded with 4" of water. Not much when compared to several feet if water experienced by some in the area.

Today several Airstreamers helped load office furniture into a box van in order to help the affiliate move to a new facility. Tomorrow we'll clean the mud from the office furniture and begin moving into the new location.

You never know what you'll get involved with when volunteering with Habitat. Be flexible and be open to experiences outside the norm.

[Bev1940]

I spent Jan Feb and March at the Habitat site in Thibodeaux LA last winter it was great hope to go again this coming winter there's no place like Louisiana !