Fortunately, difficult scenarios are often a catalyst for innovative solutions. That is precisely what we’ve seen in the way that communities are adapting to the interconnected issues of housing insecurity and risk of coronavirus exposure. Namely, cities are leasing and accepting donations of RVs and using these “domesticated” vehicles as housing alternatives for individuals experiencing homelessness. RVs are true multipurpose vehicles, and it’s crucial that we remember this when striving to find diverse and situation-specific solutions for COVID-19, a universal pandemic that often feels all too personal. 

In this article, an installment from our COVID-19 resources collection, East Coast Campers takes a look at how RVs may offer significant relief for homeless individuals, easing the burdens of both housing insecurity and outbreak prevention.

Homelessness and COVID-19

To provide a bit of context, it’s worth explaining the relationship between homelessness and increased risk of infection from COVID-19. Homeless individuals often rely on shelters and public charity organizations to provide shelter and relief, but these environments tend to be densely populated — a surefire breeding ground for highly communicable diseases such as coronavirus. Furthermore, persons living below the poverty line or without secure housing statistically have higher rates of preexisting illness and medical conditions, so their immunity may be compromised even during periods where no pandemic poses a threat. 

Some shelters have implemented procedures to increase distance between visitors, but this lowers their overall holding capacity and sends more people back into public streets. Thus, it’s critical that alternative housing options be made available, not only to distribute populations in a safer way, but to provide recovery spaces for those showing symptoms of the virus.

Adequate Shelter in the Bay Area

San Francisco has historically been a trendsetter and cultural hub, but it’s not necessarily renowned for its responses to international crises. And yet, the West Coast city was one of the first major metropolitan areas to respond to housing and quarantine issues that have arisen from the COVID-19 pandemic. Less than three weeks into March, San Francisco preemptively rented 30 recreational vehicles with funds obtained from the emergency declaration made by Mayor London Breed. 

In conjunction with the California Department of Public Health and Bay Area healthcare providers, the fleet of RVs will be designated for use by homeless individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19. In a city with at least 8,000 people depending on homeless shelters, living on streets, or enduring poverty-related housing insecurity. We should look to major cities like San Francisco that have already taken a huge step in the right direction — not only for flattening the curve, but laying the groundwork for future progress in social welfare policy. 

What’s Next?

One city making efforts to source RVs as alternative housing and quarantine units for homeless individuals is an achievement in and of itself, but it’s not enough to completely mitigate coronavirus contagion. Further reducing numbers of COVID-19 cases will require cooperation and coordination between local and state health departments, homeless relief systems, healthcare facilities, and housing authorities. It will also require voluntary adherence to guidelines for social distancing, self-isolation, and disease prevention measures. 

By working together to spread information about the pandemic and how to protect vulnerable populations as well as oneself, the odds of recovering from this tumultuous time are greater than ever.    

East Coast Campers recognizes the importance of providing informative and insightful content during these uncertain times, which is why we so strongly support the dissemination of stories of hope such as these. If you’d like to learn more about how recreational vehicles are influencing responses of communities and individuals during this historic period, please visit our blog to explore our COVID-19 resources, or shop our extensive inventory of new and used campers and RVs, all of which come with financing options.

The post RVs Provide Relief For Homeless Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic appeared first on East Coast Campers and More.

RVs Support Social Distancing

In response, recreational vehicles like park models and campers are becoming more relied upon for keeping families safe from the current contagious outbreak. Thanks to their spacious and accommodating designs, families of nearly all age ranges and sizes can safely travel, support high-risk loved ones, and more or less go about their typical daily lives. 

Here at East Coast Campers, we have already seen the ways that RVs are helping families support social distancing efforts as they strive to minimize their contribution to the spread of the novel coronavirus. Read on to learn how a traditionally “recreational” form of transportation is now serving a dual purpose as a functional, health-sustaining vehicle. 

Families With Children

While many individuals struggled to deal with workplace closures, families with children were additionally blindsided by the sudden closure of schools. While this adjustment has not been easy for many families, there is a silver lining in the midst of all this pandemic madness.

With workplaces now operating remotely and school courses being taught online, families have a rare opportunity to spend time with one another that might not otherwise be possible had their schedules remained the same. With this in mind, it’s a great time to take that RV camping trip you’ve been putting off. While your normal mainstays are shut down, why not go explore those places you and your kids have always been wanting to visit? Take a drive and check out a majestic natural park, or find a serene wilderness spot and set up camp together. 

If you’re worried about space, that probably won’t be an issue. East Coast Campers and other RV dealers offer a wide variety of inventory and product options, making it super easy to maximize square footage, RV storage, and proper social distancing between individual family members. 

Families with Older Adults

The majority of case reports and deaths from the novel coronavirus are seen in older demographics, so families with senior-aged relatives should be especially cognizant of maintaining health standards and practicing social distancing. As hard as it may be to remember the six-foot rule at all times, it’s easy to see why this physical gap is necessary for the protection of the wellbeing of your older loved ones. 

Many RVs include multiple rooms so that family members can spread out to appropriate distances, and separate bedrooms can, if necessary, be used for isolation and quarantine purposes. Furthermore, when you’re on the road, you’ll ideally be making frequent stops to natural spaces, where the fresh air and open terrain allow the whole family to interact without compromising anyone’s safety.

Whether your family currently lives with older relatives or plans to travel long distances to visit them in their respective homes, a recreational vehicle is an excellent way to accomplish either of these objectives. 

Families With High-Risk Members

Not all families include older adults or senior citizens, but they may still have members who are at higher risk of severe illness. Individuals with asthma and respiratory issues have reported higher incidences of COVID-19, and there are a number of other conditions that may increase the odds of contracting coronavirus disease. 

The Centers for Disease Control reports that the following factors may put individuals at greater risk of developing severe illness:

• Cancer treatment 
• Smoking cigarettes
• Diabetes (Types I and II)
• Obesity (body mass index exceeding 40)
• Chronic kidney disease and/or current dialysis treatment
• Use of immunocompromising medications like corticosteroids
• Heavy alcohol consumption 
• Liver disease
• Serious heart conditions

Whether you or an individual in your family fits any of the aforementioned criteria, it is important to maintain proper social distancing and to practice disinfectant procedures on a daily basis. Also, if you are traveling in your RV, be sure that all destinations you plan to visit are not reporting significant case numbers. Do your best only to visit those areas with low rates of COVID-19.

We hope you’ve enjoyed this article on how RVs can support successful social distancing efforts in your family. If you’re in need of a new RV or maintenance on your existing trailer or camper, we are here to help. East Coast Campers is proud to still be providing services and products to Delaware and surrounding states during this time of crisis. Please contact us today for more information, or explore our extensive inventory online now!

The post How RVs Support Social Distancing Efforts in Families appeared first on East Coast Campers and More.

For more information on how a recreational vehicle can be modified to act as an alternative housing unit, please contact East Coast Campers today. We are committed to serving families of Delaware and surrounding states with the resources and quality RVs necessary to maintain health and wellness for the entirety of the coronavirus crisis. 

Find a Low-Cost Hotel

Many families have found themselves confronting homelessness as a result of lost jobs and financial strain brought on by the panic of the pandemic. This is by no means ideal, but some shelter is better than none at all, especially when the safety of one’s family is at stake. Since many smaller and low-budget hotels have been granted status as essential operations, their services and rooms are still open to the public. Families facing homelessness at this time should consider this option, but know that there are other alternatives available.

On the subject of alternatives, consider the CARES Act. If this stimulus package is passed by the federal government, individuals and families will have the ability to apply for federal aid during this period of economic hardship. Once aid has been received, it becomes feasible to afford payments for temporary housing like low-cost hotels. For families who currently do not have the savings to afford the cost of a budget hotel, other avenues should be pursued, and we’ll discuss these next.

Turn an RV into a Residence

Many families may have a recreational vehicle of their own or know a friend or relative who does. If this fits a given family’s situation, they should take advantage of the sheltered space and move into the dual living-transportation structure. Whether a family is staying relatively close to their hometown or traveling to visit relatives in another area, an RV can accommodate both objectives for an extended period of time. 

After all, an RV camper is essentially a home on wheels! And it’s a much better investment in the long run than, say, weekly payments at a low-budget hotel whose sanitation procedures may not be regularly administered or monitored. By contrast, when you and your family are residing in an RV, whether it’s a used camper or a new park model, you will have the authority to maintain optimal cleanliness and practice proper social distancing. 

Seek Out Partnerships Across Sectors

Although the emergency assistance CARES Act has been passed as a bill, it’s often still necessary to look for COVID-19 resources within one’s respective state or city. It’s a good idea to contact a state or local health department, as well as homelessness service systems and housing authorities. These agencies and departments can get families the information they need to locate affordable or temporary housing, as well as safe isolation sites in the event that a family member becomes infected with the novel coronavirus. 

Lastly, it’s worth making an effort to communicate with other civilians and families experiencing homelessness. There is little harm that can come from working with your fellow citizens, and the more representation a group has, the more likely they are to receive approval for the creation of an advisory board that plans and implements strategies for confronting COVID-19-related homelessness.

Prevent A Worst-Case Scenario

If hotels, RVs, or municipal and community resources are ineffective in helping a family secure housing, the next best option is to focus on practicing as many preventative actions as possible. Whether confronting homelessness or not, it is feasible to find sources of clean water, alcohol-based hand sanitizer, facemasks, and more. Many of these resources can be found at healthcare facilities and some shelters operating on reduced hours.

This pandemic has not been easy for anyone, especially families, and the stress can take a heavy toll on one’s peace of mind. If you are experiencing difficulty with mental health conditions or emotional distress as a result of this situation, please reference our article on coping mechanisms for dealing with COVID-19. For more information on how an RV can be financed to support difficulties facing homelessness, please contact East Coast Campers today.

The post Families Facing Unsheltered Homelessness During COVID-19 appeared first on East Coast Campers and More.

Fortunately, there are many positive coping mechanisms that can be used to deal with this difficult situation and the emotions that may arise. If you are currently experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 and practicing intensive self-isolation or quarantine precautions, this article is for you. In this resource guide from East Coast Campers, we give you the tools you need to get through this tough time and come out on the other side better than ever.

How to Practice Self-Isolation

For those currently experiencing signs and symptoms of COVID-19, self-isolation is a feasible means by which you can recover while minimizing the likelihood of spreading the virus. But how exactly do you practice self-isolation in the most effective way?

The CDC highlights a number of primary methods for effective self-isolation.

First and foremost, you should stay home as much as possible. Do not go to work, and even if you can work remotely, it may be best to lay low and focus on your recovery. Students, likewise, shouldn’t go to school or overburden themselves with coursework. Across the board, avoidance of public areas and public transportation is crucial.

Secondly, pay attention to your symptoms and monitor their progression. If you have a fever that gets too high, a cough that induces pain, or any shortness of breath, please contact your healthcare provider immediately. Get plenty of rest and drink lots of hydrating fluids.

Thirdly, practice smart hygiene habits. Disinfect surfaces in your home on a daily basis and avoid sharing personal items with others, such as linens, dishes, and clothing. If you live with family members or roommates, do your best to maintain a minimum distance of six feet at all times.

How to Cope With Self-Isolation

Living alone is never easy, and it’s even more difficult when you’re battling a serious illness. Stress about the coronavirus disease is almost as contagious as the virus itself, so it’s important to find healthy ways of addressing and mitigating feelings of anxiety and fear. Luckily, there are many effective ways to manage the emotions and cope with struggles on a daily basis.

If you follow the news or receive updates on social media, take breaks from these outlets. Becoming too wrapped up in statistics about COVID-19 and incessantly thinking about the pandemic will only cause further rumination and negativity. 

In addition to caring for your mental health, look after yourself on a physical level as well. Engage in moderate physical activity that you can safely practice indoors, such as yoga, meditation, and stretching. Plan your meals in advance so you can procure the necessary items from the grocery store and make it easy for yourself to eat healthy and balanced foods. Minimize or eliminate your intake of alcohol and drugs, as these can interfere with your immune system as well as your sleep quality, both of which are critical for optimizing your recovery.

Lastly, try finding a new hobby or a way to feel that you can “escape” even in the midst of this quarantine period. Many individuals like to read, work on puzzles, paint, or adopt a new project. And those who get the travel bug should know that even self-isolation doesn’t prevent you from enjoying the great outdoors. 

Consider renting or purchasing a recreational vehicle and visiting the parts of the country you’ve always wanted to see. RVs are spacious with plenty of room to complete all your daily activities and enough storage to hold the supplies and necessities you’ll need for the foreseeable future.

Stay Optimistic

Coping with quarantine and self-isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic is not a small task, but it is doable. With the right coping mechanisms, adoption of new hobbies, or the use of a liberating recreational vehicle, you will be able to get through your recovery in no time. Before you know it, things will be back to normal. But in the meantime, why not try lots of new things and explore what this unpredictable world has to offer?

For more information on how a recreational vehicle can help you cope with current quarantine measures, please contact East Coast Campers today, or explore our fantastic variety of inventory online now. Be well!

The post Coping with Self-Isolation and Quarantine During the COVID-19 Pandemic appeared first on East Coast Campers and More.

Donate an RV to the Docs

If you own a recreational vehicle, it’s likely sitting in the driveway or somewhere in storage at the moment, either because it’s not yet prime traveling season or because you’re engaging in social distancing. In either case, there’s no reason it should go unused, especially when resources and work spaces are so strained amongst medical workers on the front line of the coronavirus. If you have an RV, consider lending or donating it to a healthcare facility in need of quarantine spaces. This has already been accomplished in places like California, where a Bay Area doctor established a Facebook group that connects frontline medical workers with empty RVs.  Many medical professionals are experiencing concerns and stresses over their daily exposure to the coronavirus disease, and they want to do what they can to keep themselves and their family members healthy. Giving an RV to medical workers on the front line of the COVID-19 pandemic can provide a safe space to practice self-isolation and avoid interaction with loved ones during the contagion period. This virus won’t last forever, but in the meantime, every little bit of charity helps immensely to the medical and healthcare professionals risking their lives to preserve ours. 

Using an RV to Stay Healthy

RVs can be used not only to protect healthcare workers, but also to keep you and your family safe. If you have high-risk individuals in your family, such as grandparents or relatives with autoimmune conditions, a camper or a trailer could be the perfect place for them to practice social distancing and maintain their health. Likewise, if you live in a hot zone of coronavirus cases and are hoping to create some mileage between yourself and the outbreak, why not use your RV to take a trip to a less populated area?  If you do decide to use your RV for either of the aforementioned purposes, be sure to thoroughly clean and disinfect your vehicle prior to any donations or travel excursions. Viruses like COVID-19 can live on surfaces for anywhere from several hours to a few days, so in close quarters like those of a recreational vehicle, it is imperative to disinfect on a daily basis. This includes everything from countertops to doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, kitchen appliances, and tiles.  Carpets and porous surfaces like furniture and rugs should be vacuumed regularly, or at least every other day. If you can launder your upholstery, take care to do that as soon as possible.  Lastly, if your RV is equipped with an in-unit washer and dryer, there are a few things to consider. When handling dirty laundry, do not shake the fabrics, as doing so could facilitate the spread of the airborne virus. Also, you’ll want to wash all clothes and linens with the warmest possible water temperature. Use bleach if the fabric allows.

Slow the Spread

Medical workers on the front line need your help in flattening the curve and preventing further spread of COVID-19. You can quell the number of coronavirus cases by either lending your clean and empty RV to a healthcare facility or by taking proactive measures like quarantining yourself, family members, and at-risk loved ones in a sanitized vehicle. For more information on how your RV can be repurposed for virus-preventing applications, please contact us at East Coast Campers today or visit our Facebook page. We hope you stay happy and healthy so that when all of this is over, you’ll be ready to experience your next adventure!  If you are interested in learning more about how RVs can be used to protect medical workers and healthcare professionals on the front line against the coronavirus disease, please reach out to “RVs 4 MDs” on Facebook.

The post How RVs Are Protecting Medical Front Line Workers And Family Members appeared first on East Coast Campers and More.

Why Camp With An RV?

Camping is fun pretty much any way you do it, but it’s a whole lot more comfortable when you do it with a recreational vehicle. Thanks to the spacious quarters afforded by campers and their counterparts, you’ll have plenty of room for you and your family to spread out during the drive to the campsite, partaking in whatever activities or pastimes your hearts desire. When arriving at a campsite, people tend to react in one of two ways: they’re either eager to get the tents and supplies set up, or they’re ready for a nap and a cold beverage. Fortunately, an RV allows a family to indulge both of these preferences! Whether you prefer to sleep underneath the stars in a canvas tent or you long for the comfort of a queen-sized bed, you’ll have the option of both when you go camping with an uber-accommodating recreational vehicle. 

Is Camping Safe?

Some parents might be hesitant to see how their family, especially if they have younger children, responds to the environment of the great outdoors in its natural state. But camping is meant to be a vacation! It doesn’t necessarily require any advanced training or knowledge in order to be enjoyable or fun. However, it’s not a good idea to go camping with an entire team without someone doing at least a bit of research. Figure out where you want to set up camp, what activities you’ll participate in to enjoy the beauty of nature, and what supplies, clothing, and food you’ll need to stay satisfied and energized. 

What If COVID-19 Is Still A Problem?

Thanks to the open environment in which camping takes place, it is easy to distance yourself from other campers and nature-watchers. If, come summer, you or your family are still concerned about the COVID-19 outbreak and the possibility of contraction, it’s plenty easy to find a remote spot where you won’t need to interact with anyone except your loved ones. Plus, fresh air never did the immune system any harm! Summer is just around the corner, so if you don’t already have an RV at the ready, it’s high time to pick one out. East Coast Campers has a fantastic selection of destination trailers, park models, travel trailers, and more. And if you’re wondering — yes, we are open right now! Contact us today or explore our inventory online to find the perfect RV for your family’s upcoming summer camping trip.

The post Why Camping Is The Safest Family Vacation For This Summer appeared first on East Coast Campers and More.