House Manager Report
May 11, 2023


1. Client Statistics
We served 346 households in April, 590 adults and 619 children. This is 105 households fewer than we served in March. In April we had 120 new clients. We averaged 18 households a day in April and 20 households a day in March.

2. Volunteers
We have 45 regular volunteers.

3. Donation Status
Our donors have given so generously we are overwhelmed with clothes and toys. We cannot accept donations of clothes or toys until May 31st.
Our current needs are:
  Pots and pans
  Small household appliances; microwaves, toasters, coffee pots, blenders, and fans
  King, queen, and twin sheets
  King, queen, and twin blankets/comforters
  Towels and washcloths
  Silverware
  Tennis shoes, both men’s and women’s
  Can openers
  Underwear, preferably new, men’s and women’s, small and plus sizes
  Pajamas; men’s and women’s
  Men’s jeans
  Vacuum cleaners

4. Business/Community Contacts
House by the Side of the Road partnered with Prison Fellowship for "Second Chance Month" during the month of April. This nationwide movement seeks to raise awareness
about the barriers faced by returning citizens and to unlock second chances for people with a criminal record. We shared some "Second Chance Month" posts on our Facebook post during April.

Both Saline First United Methodist Church and Dexter United Methodist Church had rummage sales on April 29 and let us pick up items for the House at the end of their sale.

5. Community Outreach
On April 11 we met with the University of Michigan KnitWits, a group that provides handmade knit and crocheted warm goods (mostly hats & scarves) to those in need, to discussed what items they can make and donate to the House.
A group of 3 youths from West Side United Methodist Church came and helped at the House on Sunday, April 30th.


6. Facility Status
Our State of Michigan elevator certification expired July 26, 2019. On December 6, 2022, Kone Elevator performed a no-load elevator test with no issues discovered. We were told to expect an updated certification after the December no-load test but have not received one yet.

7. Safety Issues
None

8. Incidents
None

9. Areas that need attention
Some clients do not check out. We hope to increase the efficiency of our check-in and check-out procedures, reducing the length of lines at both stations. We are considering purchasing tablets to make check-out easier. We are also considering eliminating some of the questions we ask at check-in.

10. Client Stories
None

11. Overall Appearance and Organization
The overall store area is looking well.


Submitted by Gemaya Griffin, House Manager