RV Care-A-Vanners
If the open road calls to you, the RV Care-A-Vanners are for you. This volunteer program invites anyone who travels by recreational vehicle to make Habitat part of your journey, or even your destination.
About the RV Care-A-Vanner program
Make a difference in the lives of those in need of decent, affordable housing by participating in RV Care-A-Vanner building projects in partnership with local Habitats across North America. These local Habitats benefit from the significant skills, energy and enthusiasm of the RV Care-A-Vanners, who in just two weeks can substantially accelerate their building program and raise the community’s awareness of Habitat’s work.
With the RV Care-A-Vanners, you can meet and work with families as they create a place they can call home. You’ll have the chance to meet wonderful volunteers who share the vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Every RV-er is welcome; no experience needed. Check out our volunteer code of conduct (PDF) to see volunteer expectations.
There are other ways to get involved in the RV Care-A-Vanner program beyond the build program. Some RV Care-A-Vanners train to become a part of our Disaster Rebuild Team to help communities rebuild after a disaster. You can also participate in our Collegiate Challenge program where we mentor college students during their alternative school breaks. Other skilled volunteer opportunities are available as well, including serving on the RV Care-A-Vanner desk staff to help manage the program.
Besides hands-on volunteering, our RV Care-A-Vanners have become Habitat advocates. Many of our volunteers speak to churches, civic groups and the media about the importance of safe, affordable housing and the results of poor living conditions.
Bring your family and friends. Everyone is welcome, and no experience is necessary. We understand that whether you live your life on the road full-time, or just squeeze in an adventure when you can, you appreciate the need for safe, affordable housing. This is your opportunity to help provide the same for others.
If you spend a lot of time on the road, you likely consider anyone you meet to be a neighbor. We feel the same way. It’s this mindset that helps us further our mission. We’d love for you to partner with us because there are a lot of neighbors who need our help. By participating in Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco County's RV Care-A-Vanners, you will actually get to meet and work with families on their house and help them create a place they can call home. It starts with recreation, but ends with relationship.
Join the RV Care-A-Vanner community
- Learn more about RV Care-A-Vanners
- Learn how to register for a build.
Support the program
If you’d like to support the RV Care-A-Vanners, see your options below. You can donate your vehicle or RV through our Cars for Homes program to support Habitat.
What are the requirements to participate in an RV Care-A-Vanner build?
Here in Dade City we have a Habitat owned camp ground, fully equipped with 50 amp electric, sewer, and water hookups. We also have a camp house with 2 full bathrooms, showers, full kitchen, eating area, and washers/dryers. Because of this, everyone from a self contained RV to a tent are able to stay comfortably with us.
What if I’ve never done this type of work before?
No problem. We’ll be happy to teach you on-site. We have a wide range of projects to suit your comfort level including framing, roofing, interior and finish work and renovations. You can try something new, or stick to something more familiar. Alternatively, we also may use volunteers in the Habitat offices, ReStore or to act as “gofers” around the build site.
What should I expect?
Generally, each build consists of eight to 10 volunteers (we can accommodate up to 10 rigs) and lasts about two weeks. Each work day typically entails a morning devotional at 8:00 AM and six to seven hours of building, with morning, lunch and afternoon breaks. Most evenings, Care A Vanners gather together for a potluck dinner or venture out to local eateries.
What do you provide?
In Dade City we provide low-cost RV parking, instruction, supervision, power tools, building materials and ladders.
What should I bring?
Please prepare to bring sturdy work shoes, gloves, a tool belt, hammer, square, pencil and measuring tape. While RV Care-A-Vanner volunteers each pay their own expenses, some may be tax-deductible.
Our campground
Here at Habitat for Humanity in East and Central Pasco County, we built our very own 600 sq ft air conditioned camp house that sits in the middle of the campground located in Dade City, FL 33525. This house contains two full bathrooms with private showers, fully equipped kitchen, eating area, TV, and two sets of washers/dryers. Connected to the camp house is a 600 sq ft screened in pavilion complete with picnic tables, commercial ice maker, overhead lighting, television, and high speed WIFI. Just outside is a fire pit and covered BBQ, this sits under mature trees and overlooks are very own Lake Thomas.
Dade City is centrally located in heart of Florida in the Tampa Bay region and is close to all the exciting Florida attractions. Just an hour's drive away you can visit beautiful Gulf Beaches, Busch Gardens, Disney World, Universal Studios and Sea World. Additionally, there are many antique malls, shopping, breweries, restaurants, museums and other places to explore during your stay. In the quaint Dade City square you can explore several boutiques and locally owned restaurants. So you can enjoy either a small town pace or drive a bit for some big city adventures. Either way, you will love your time spent with Habitat.
