House Manager Report 
January 10, 2026


1. Client Statistics
We served 364 households in December, 672 adults and 615 children. That is 59 households fewer than we served in November. In December we had 69 new clients. We averaged 26 households a day in December and 25 households a day in November. 

2. Volunteers
We have 56 regular volunteers. 

December 19, we had our annual Christmas party for our volunteers. We exchanged White Elephant Gifts and had a lot of fun.  Some of the food was donated by NYPD, Frank’s Restaurant, and Red Robin.

January 12, a new intern started working with us. A Human Service student at Washtenaw Community College, she is required to complete 180 hours of community service during the winter semester.

3. Donation Status
Our most pressing current needs are:
Small household appliances; microwaves, toasters, coffee pots, blenders, and fans
Blankets/comforters (all sizes)
Bed sheets (all sizes)
Towels and washcloths
Athletic shoes, both men’s and women’s
Pajamas for men, women, and children
Men’s jeans and athletic pants
Underwear (preferable new)
Can openers
Vacuum cleaners

4. Business/Community Contacts
We are grateful for several groups that helped us this month:

January 8, we had three people from Michigan Medicine volunteer. Michigan Medicine is piloting an Executive Leadership Volunteer Program to support local non-profits, give back to their community, and understand some of the challenges patients and community members face. 

Several students from the University of Michigan’s School of Public Health are volunteering with us. One of their core courses requires they complete two hours of volunteer work. 

5. Community Outreach
December 8, Saline First United Methodist Church donated new socks, underwear, winter coats, pajamas, and warm clothing.

December 9, we picked up several household items from Angel Care at Cross Street Village from their rummage sale.

December 12, First Presbyterian Women made a final delivery from their “Undercover Operation”, including underwear and socks.

January 5, we received socks and underwear from Dixboro United Methodist Church.

January 9, Victoria Ekutu, a student at the University of Michigan, working on a project through Optimize called Skin Like Iridescent Pearls (SLIP), donated 35 body butters, 45 serums, and 35 moisturizers. SLIP focuses on providing organic, skin-safe hygiene products to individuals experiencing homelessness or financial hardship. Their emphasis is on encouraging skin health and supporting confidence, particularly in harsh weather conditions.

January 13, we received over 200 coats from Subaru of Ann Arbor through the Subaru Loves to Help initiative, partnering with Subaru of America Corporation’s Operation Warm.

6. Facility Status
During winter break an air source heat pump was installed in the elevator room, walls in the back and middle hallways were painted, and tile floors were waxed and polished.

7. Safety Issues
None.

8. Incidents
None.

9. Areas that need attention
None.

10. Client Stories
One of our clients started shopping with us several years ago while homeless and living at the Delonis center. Now he has his own apartment and is starting a new job.  He is grateful for our support and won’t be shopping with us any longer because he doesn't need to. 

11. Overall Appearance and Organization
The store, sorting, and tagging areas are looking well.

Submitted by Gemaya Griffin, House Manager