Tonight when you call it a day and turn out the lights, an estimated 48,000 homeless military veterans will sleep on the street. According to official government counts, the homeless vet population in our country is a growing and complex problem that has yet to be solved. The good news is that if you have an unused RV in good condition, you can be a part of the solution.
Recipients Christopher and Bianca Latch at their new home. – Photo courtesy of Cherie Michaelson
A Gift of Shelter and Stability
In Central California, the non-profit organization RVs for Veterans is serving as an important stepping stone for homeless vets seeking reliable shelter of their own. For the last four years the group has been quietly connecting veterans with private owners of unused motor homes, fifth wheels and trailers who want to gift the RV to a great cause. From the group’s headquarters in Paso Robles, RVs for Veterans operates as a project of the homeless advocacy group Paso Cares which demonstrates that solving the homeless veteran problem begins with a single act of generosity.
“Many of the RV owners are veterans themselves, or have family members who are,” says president Cherie Michaelson. On a rainy day from her busy home office in Paso Robles, she explained that since RVs for Veterans started in 2013 the group has donated 47 RVs to homeless veterans and there are more on the waiting list. Every day she receives contact from individuals seeking shelter, or veterans services organizations with clients in need.
Michaelson doesn’t act as a social worker and there are no probing questions asked about the recipient. All a veteran needs to do in order to qualify for a RV is provide Form DD214, which is proof that they’ve been discharged from the military. Whether they left honorably or dishonorably, are single or married, with kids or without, she doesn’t make it her business to judge their situation. Her single goal is to get a roof over that veteran’s head. Most recently Michelson was frantically looking for a RV that would house a homeless, pregnant veteran who days away from giving birth to her child.
“It’s an easy thing to do, but it takes a lot of time,” Michelson explained. With a small board and a dedicated, small group of volunteers, RVs for Veterans does the legwork to connect the donor with the recipient. To expedite the process, the transaction is kept as simple as possible: there is no money exchanged, just a transfer of ownership on the vehicle title. Many RV owners will go the extra mile to accompany the veteran to the department of motor vehicles to transfer the registration. Donors will often take time to show the veteran how the RV’s house systems and mechanics work, ensuring that the new owner has a safe, reliable home on wheels.
Motor homes are always in high demand. “Lots of people want motor homes, they want to be mobile,” she says. “They don’t always have a truck for a trailer.” RVs for Veterans volunteers always do their best to inspect a donated RV before it goes into the program. Many of the donated RVs are in good shape but Michaelson says the group has the burden of weeding out the acceptable ones from the dilapidated, uninhabitable RVs that some people just don’t want to pay to get rid of.
Whenever she gets a call from a donor, she listens attentively when an owner discusses the RV they want to donate. When she hears a potential red flag describing any issues the RV might have, Michelson stops and makes it clear to the caller that the program is not a free way to dump an old, beat up RV.
Word is quickly spreading about the program and the group is getting busier by the day as Michaelson fields calls from all over the west. With more people hearing about the good work RVs for Veterans is doing, many like-minded people are asking how they can start a similar program in their own regions. Michaelson says she’s always happy to share what RVs for Veterans has learned with anyone who wants to give it a try.
Rene Agredano and her husband, Jim Nelson, became full-time RVers in 2007 and have been touring the country ever since. In her blog, Rene chronicles the ins and outs of the full-timing life and brings readers along to meet the fascinating people and amazing places they visit on the road. Her road trip adventures are chronicled in her blog at LiveWorkDream.com.
I am a veteran (served 2004-2005, honorably medically discharged) and mother of three children. I have been trying to find help getting into a home with no luck. The four of us are technically homeless. My parents have taken us in since August and my 20year old brother whos in college lives with them too.
I have tried and tried getting a job with no luck until this month, thank the Lord!! But my parents are going broke helping me and my kids and I have to get out of their home but can not find anyone around me to help me out.. I found this website and thought I’d see if there is any way you guys or anyone else you know could help me.
Hi Tanya,
As mentioned in the story, a good option would be to reach out to RVs for Veterans (www.pasocares.org/rvs-for-veterans.html) for some assistance and support for your situation.They are based in Paso Robles, California. Good luck and we hope this helps.
Hello Tanya,
I have a Class C RV Freedom Elite 29 feet, Not sure about this pasocares.org but if they can
help me out, I need help in selling this almost new rv, $60K out the door.
My husband and I are homeless as of April 1st. We have been in our car with our two big service dogs the whole time. Thank god that they are well behaved for the most part! We are in the area of Anaheim ca and sometimes Victorville. My husband is in good spirits or tries to be but under the circumstances this is a stressful and expensive situation we are in. We sleep in our car where we can but have learned that it is not always legal to do so. Can someone please help us? We have called 211 and spoken to someone. We have not heard back about anything as of yet. I came upon the article about RV’s for Vets. I think its a great place to begin again. My husband is one of the kindest and nicest person I have ever known. This is just overwhelming. He is my best friend and I am writing this mostly because of him. There is so much that he wants to do. So much that he wants to give back. In this situation, it is hard to get a foundation down so that we both can resume our lives again. We are surviving day to day. This is not how we wish to live! If we could just get some stability back into our lives, we could begin to live again. My husband has PTSD. He was an honorable combat veteran in the army and experienced something protecting our country that no one should have to go through. He did it for the love of his country. and I am asking someone for help. Thank you very much. Kimberly.
I’m trying to get on the list.
My Son and I have been trying for weeks to have a full conversation with this organization “RV for Veterans”, but with strange results. The lady that my Son was talking to got all of my information and now we aren’t hearing anything (Is this normal?), I’m not accusing this organization of any wrong-doing, but if it’s a no, then say that. I am a 49yo Desert Storm Veteran with a multitude of illnesses including : Ankylosing Spondylitis, Psoriatic Arthritis, PTSD, Major Depressive Disorder and other disabling diseases. On June 28, 2017, Freddie Mac, a government entity, is throwing a Desert Storm Veteran (Me) out of his home, while awaiting a decision from another government entity Social Security. All I want is more time but they will not give it to me, pure GREED. My Son and I thought an RV would be a great idea, but it looks as though I may just camp in my tent, at the property next door, until things get better. I hope anyone who needs this Organization has better luck than I did. Any information would be appreciated. Best Regards
How does a homeless veteran obtain an RV?
I understand that there are Veteran’s organizations that have motorhomes donated and pass them along as free motorhomes to disabled veterans, or have low cost motorhomes for veterans on a pension, and/or fixer-upper motorhomes for veterans to work on and improve serving both as a hobby and housing. Please advise as to any of these possibilties.
Its possible for Vets to have just that- a free motorhome (preowned certified) to disabled veterans or a ‘low cost’ motorhome for those on a pension and working part time of seasonally, or even a ‘fixer-upper’ motorhome for a hobby and housing, but the money for US Veterans organisations is in building new complex establishments for modern medicine, pharmaceuticals, and medical technology Its about money rather than patriotism, American freedom, and the pursuit of happiness. The ‘good old days’ of America are …gone.
I’m a disabled veteran who lives on a VA Pension and I’m also a homeless vet. it’s not enough to get into an apartment or a rooming house. My wife and I live in the 74 Tioga Motorhome that’s in badly need of repair we would like to donate this RV in exchange for something more livable with an engine that runs better as it’s it’s the engine needs a lot of repair work and I don’t have the money for it out of my pension check I support my 9 year old grandson whose father was murdered and that’s the reason why I cannot afford to get the engine fixed and get the RV redone I’ve been supporting my grandson since she was 6 months old a few years later I met his father year later he was murdered and so I’m doing my best as a grandfather to support a child my grandson. So I’m asking you folks for help. My email is glendaleewell@gmail.com make contact with me and I’ll give you my cell phone number and how to get in touch with me here in Bend Oregon thank you for your time
sincerely Mr Ewell
I am a homeless vet for most of seven years
I’ve been trying to find a camper for me and my service dog for a while but my disability check doesn’t go far and it’s been really hard to save enough money. I am willing to make payments or whatever it takes.I am located around Shreveport la and as soon as I’m done with my dental work at the s’port v.a. I’m wanting to relocate but I’m in dire need of a camper.have you got any suggestions for me.
Hi Jimmy, My husband and I have a 36 ft 5th wheel available in Milton, Florida
We’re moving back up to RI
The RV is located in Pelican Palms RV Park,,
3700 Garcon Point Rd
Milton, Fl 32583
Lot rent is $355 per month plus electric and propane
We’ve never paid more than $500 a month for all 3 cobined
If you’re interested in living here we’ll give you the RV
Please call Donna at 850-384-3401
Greetings Donna, I will give you a call later, Valerie Allen – President/Founder of Veteran Connection, Inc. Mine is (305) 328-8503, thanks!!
Hi , I am a 100% service connected Disabled Gulf War vet. I am blind in one eye and use a walker for mobility. I am not homeless I own a home but could use help with repairs and weatherization The house is all electric .built in 1920 with very little insulation. This past winter we had one bill that was almost $1,000.00 But, I finally have a friend that is going to start helping me out with fixing the house. So all my money is focused on that. I live in west central Missouri with my wife (who hates camping ) and my 11 year old son. writing this in hopes that there will be someone close that has an old pull behind camper they no longer want that would donate , trade for or sell for nominal cost. Just need it to take my son camping and a place to hide from my wife every now and again for my mental health and hers.
Do they even do this anymore, my mom is about to live on the streets, and she need a home. Then I came to this site. She is a veteran and has no where else to go,
Can you let her move in with you until she gets back on her feet,
My son is a veteran and lives in his truck.
I am a 100% SC Veteran. I currently live in my car and I have been looking for an RV to move into. I reside in PA and I prefer not to have to live in my car they the winter. If there is anyone that could help me obtain an RV I would greatly appreciate it.
SEMPER FI
Chris Gern
I am a 100% SC Veteran. I currently live in my car and I have been looking for an RV to move into. I reside in PA and I prefer not to have to live in my car they the winter. If there is anyone that could help me obtain an RV I would greatly appreciate it. Please email me at cmgern@gmail.com
SEMPER FI
Chris Gern
I am a 69 year old veteran that is homeless, and posess heir property with a house that has fallen in on itself.my income is und $11,000 annually. should I be granted an RV, that would give me shelter until I can get the house livable.
I don’t know if there will be any interest in this, but it’s worth a shot.
I am a 100% disabled veteran who has been medically retired. I am married and have three children that we home-school. Disability is not enough to live on, and our goal is to get a large RV and live in it full time as we travel the country (which would also support our homeschooling efforts.). If we were able to do this, my disability would be enough for us to live off of. Unfortunately, my credit is no good, we have no one to cosign with us, we’re basically stuck.
We have a plan forward, but no way to implement it. If anyone has an RV they would be willing to donate, or sell and take modest payments on, please contact me. We are currently living in California, but I would go anywhere in the country to pick up. I can also readily prove my disability and retired status, so you know you aren’t falling victim to some scam artist.
My email is ep.crisanti@gmail.com
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
My husband just had major surgery on his neck. He is 100% total permanan veteran. He is in need of a way to get out and rest at the same time. He can’t drive himself and needs help with activities of daily life. He was a very active personnel before the surgery. If you have a smaltrailer or camper that I can fix up for him. I would be so greatful
I served from 2005-2014, I was medically discharged. I found a person donating an RV, I was the lucky person they chose. Only problem is that the vehicle has expired tags and the RV needs to be towed to a relatives house. I don’t have the funds to do it. Does anyone know where or who will provide funds for this today?
My name is Joseph. I am a 71 years old Vietnam Vet with 14 years of service. I live on a small pension that does not go very far. I am presently living in upper state NY. and must relocate to milder weather due to my health.I am in need of a motorhome to relocate. I am willing to make small payments to donor. Thanks to all that are helping my brothers and sisters in arms.
call: 580-583-7422
E-Mail: bch1trk99@yahoo.com
My husband served for 17 years 3 tours 1 in Afghanistan and 2 in Iraq he is now 100% disabled, I to served in the army and am currently fighting for my va rating. Together we have almost 30 years of service and our landlord just had the house we were taken from the bank for nonpayment . How nice of him to take what little mkney we have and pocket it instead of paying his morggage and keeping a roof over our heads. So we are now homeless sleeping in out cars with out dogs sleeping anywhere we can. We lost all of our possessions .. we can make payments on an rv or trailer we have a truck that can tow .. please help us we are out of options and we live in RI so it’s getting very cold out .. we will travel to where ever we need to to pick it up.. please we need help… we can provide verification of military service , disability, and home situation
My Email is 4michelledubuc@gmail.com
My husband matts email is
Mdubuc1412@gmail.com
4012862033 is cell number
Seems like a lot of veterans get kick to the curb with these scam agency’s. They need to be investigated. If someone to give something to a disabled vet they should be able to give it right to a vet. instead of giving it to a middle man. My name is Steve I’m 100% disabled through SSI I’m homeless Don’t make very much to live on my dates of service are 1979 through 1986. Army special forces. and I could really use a RV to live in. If anyone could help I would Really be very great-full I’m located in Michigan. If you can help my email is stevenpunme@yahoo.com (I might be wrong about this but I do believe if you donate to a disabled vet you get a tax right off) thank you.
is it possible for non veterans in need?
I am a Veteran w 100% disable veteran I am homeless I have a broke down old converted unit with saying that it is infested with roach’s,flying roach’s,pomento bugs.ants.nats,and are even in my refg.My health has gotten worse according ti my last blood tests at the va also my prostrate is a level 6 .I have looking and looking for help for I am about to quite and just fade away in a unhealthy place
I didn’t give a area I am in its Pensacola FlA.
My husband is a disabled veteran who served a tour in Afghanistan and was honorably discharged about 5 years ago. I lost my job due to the current t coronavirus and now are being evicted from our rental. I wanted to see if this was still an ongoing charitable service that serves veterans. If so, please co tact me either way. Thank you.
Thank you all who Give to Disabled Veterans in need <3
Thank you for Caring
I’m looking for an RV to get away from public. Im disabled marine an my mental status is unpredictable with even the meds.to be around the public i am easily startle and will without hesitation harm someone. With an rv I can lose my self at camping lakes, grounds, the wilderness away from population.