When times get tough, RVers are almost always willing to lend a helping hand any way they can. For some, this has meant loaning their driveway space to full-timers who had nowhere else to go because of the COVID-19 lockdown. For others, it means loaning out their idle RV to those who are in desperate need of a safe place to quarantine.
A new Facebook group called RVs 4 MDs is aiming to help Frontline healthcare workers during these uncertain times by connecting them with RV owners who are willing to temporarily loan out their rig. The group has gained a lot of traction since it was created March 24; it is entirely run by volunteers and already grown to over 15,000 members.
The generosity is potentially lifesaving; many healthcare workers, who are putting their health and lives at risk while treating COVID-19 patients, are in need of a place to stay away from family members where they do not have to risk passing on the virus after coming home from work.
In just the last couple of weeks, they have already connected several RV owners with healthcare workers needing a place to quarantine. Their Facebook page has been updated often with successful stories, like this one:
“James Bindrup is a resident in the ER in Detroit, MI with 3 young kids, including a newborn baby. His wife, Nikki posted a message on RVs 4 MDs asking for help and Adriene Ostrom answered her plea! 💙🎉 Thank you Adrienne!
Nikki Bindrup wrote, “The next day the sweet family came to set up their camper. My husband and I were both a bit nervous. This is a big thing to borrow from a stranger. They were so sweet. They even put snacks on the shelves for my husband to eat. The next day when my husband got home from his night shift and we were setting up the camper for him to stay in for the foreseeable future he expressed how grateful he was that I pushed him to get the camper. It has only been a couple days in the camper, but we both feel relieved. We feel like we are trying our best to protect our family, and we feel grateful for good, kind people in the world that are willing to help others who are out of options.”
The group was solely created as a resource to connect interested parties, but all agreements and use guidelines are strictly between the RV/camper owner and the temporary occupant. This includes the set-up, take-down, and delivery of the RV, as well as damages, cleaning costs, and any other financial responsibility from loaning. RV owners and healthcare workers participate at their own discretion and risk; those concerned about the virus in the RV may want to request the borrower have it professionally cleaned before having it returned.
“We serve solely as an online matchmaking connection service to assist those who freely, willing, and on their own accord want to loan their legally owned, legally registered, up to code, mobile living device.” That said, they highly encourage owners to attain background checks as well as a contract with a signature that clearly states the terms and conditions agreed upon with the borrower.
Those who are willing to lend out their RV, or healthcare workers in need of a place to quarantine, can apply by joining their Facebook group and filling out this form. The admins and volunteers will then reach out if there is a match.
For more information, visit their Facebook page and Facebook group. If you’re interested in volunteering to coordinate efforts in your area and/or help with matchmaking, join the group RVs 4 MDs Volunteer Group instead. According to their page, an official website is coming soon.