A New Meaning to Homeless

You’ve all seen the signs that many RV’ers have indicating they are homeless and actually quite proud of it. It’s a joke among most of them. Manufacturers make a ton of money capitalizing on their lifestyle by selling all kinds of paraphernalia boasting about their home being where they park it. For these folks it’s a chosen lifestyle and one that some have planned on for many years. The dream of retiring, selling the home and buying an RV to see the USA was part of what kept them working until they were finally able to live the life of their dreams --- being homeless.

Part of our “homeless” group in Quartzsite last January.

Homeless is a word used around many campfires with lots of chuckles. Remember this life is their choice not due to being down and out or broke. They’ve been tied down all their life and now they want the freedom to roam. It takes a different type of person to choose to hit the road. Maybe I should say that it takes a special type of person to decide to "just wander". These homeless folks really aren’t homeless but they like to laugh about it as they sit around campfires or go to sleep in their expensive RVs. They are outgoing people looking for adventure. The people are usually very independent and enjoy sometimes being away from it all and other times being right in the middle of it.

The friendships developed along the road are different than the ones developed in a workplace or in a neighborhood. Most of these friendships are based on common interests and not necessarily being thrown together due to circumstances. Just like friends you meet in the traditional way, some just have more in common than others.

That’s one type of homeless and the type that many of us RV’ers think about. However, there really are people who are homeless and have no roof over their head. I have a cousin who is really homeless. He is a little challenged and has lived in numerous situations including under bridges since his mother died. For the last four years he had been living with another cousin. She lost her job which meant she also had to scramble for a roof over her own head. She has a friend willing to put her up while she looks for work in the Phoenix area … but only her. So, on the road they went traveling from Washington state to Arizona.

If you must be homeless, the perfect time and the perfect place is winter in Arizona. It’s certainly better than being in Washington during the winter! Yesterday I drove from Apache Junction and met them in Quartzsite. My Jeep was loaded down with a tent, bedding and food for about 2 weeks. (Can you believe it actually rained in Quartzsite? When was the last time it rained there?)

Dave and Millie ---

In an RV Quartzsite is a fun place to be with all the people, vendors and events. It’s a little different for someone who doesn’t have the conveniences or even a bike to get around. He’s truly homeless but all his needs are met for now. We’ll head down that way in a couple weeks to see how he’s doing and, perhaps, stay with him for a few days. No, we won’t be staying in his tent but in our own motorhome. Hopefully the other cousin will find a job soon or find other lodging for cousin #1. If you’re around, stop by. He’ll talk your arm and leg off.

We’ve spent a little time in Quartzsite. Most of the folks who stay there during the winter choose it as a place to meet people and enjoy the wonderful Arizona winter. However, there are some who are truly homeless. In the past we’ve seen a few with tents or living out of cars. These are the exception. It can be a fun place to be but not nearly as much fun if you aren’t in an RV.