If you have ever visited the Indian River Habitat campus, you might have noticed a concrete lot beyond the warehouses, lined with RVs and campers. The people living in those RVs are Habitat Care-A-Vanners, a group of dedicated individuals who want to stay active post-retirement.
Indian River Habitat takes pride in hosting over 50 Care-A-Vanners this season, who will stay on our property between now and mid-April. Care-A-Vanners can choose to volunteer anywhere from a few weeks to a few months.
But who exactly is a Care-A-Vanner? A Care-A-Vanner is someone who spends a part of their year in a motorhome and wishes to dedicate their time to serving others. They volunteer in the ReStore, on build sites, and on critical home repairs throughout our community. While they may spend time in Vero Beach this winter, the Habitat Affiliates in the Midwest or Northeast could be their destination this summer.
Care-A-Vanners come from various parts of the country and have different professional backgrounds. Despite their diversity, they all share the same goal – to help families achieve housing security.
When asked why Habitat and why now, many Care-A-Vanners express a similar sentiment – why not now? Having lived a life dedicated to civic service and no longer involved in the day-to-day bustle of a 9-5 job, they can devote more time to giving back to the community.
“My wife and I love working for such a good, progressive Affiliate,” says Chuck. “The partnership housing model really speaks to us.” Chuck and his wife Judy are seasoned Care-A-Vanners, having helped build the first Habitat homes in the Fellsmere community of Grace Meadows back in 2008.
Dan and Maria, full-time RV’ers, have just joined the CAV program. Although they lack prior experience, they make up for it with eagerness. “We love how this work directly impacts a family,” says Maria. “We get to volunteer alongside the homebuyer who will live in the house we are building together.”
Like all Habitat volunteer positions, experience is not required to make a difference. All you need is the willingness and heart to contribute to the mission.
At Indian River Habitat, we take great pride in being a preferred stop for many Care-A-Vanners and look forward to their yearly visits to the Affiliate.
Please click here for more information on Indian River Habitat volunteer opportunities.
To learn more about the Habitat for Humanity International Care-A-Vanner program, click here.
