1. Client Statistics
We served 464 households in August, 859 adults and 758 children. That is 6 households
fewer than in July. In August we had 96 new clients. We averaged 22 households a day
in August and 21 in July.

2. Volunteers
We have 54 regular volunteers.

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
University of Michigan Health / Michigan Medicine has organized their annual drive for
school supplies and other necessities, including backpacks, toiletries, socks, underwear,
menstrual products, and personal care items. Donations will be delivered to the House
on September 10.

On August 28 the Student Life Sustainability & Campus Free Store donated surplus
inventory to us to address campus storage compliance concerns. Items we received
included comforters, blankets, sheets, towels, t-shirts, and formal attire.

Angel Care hosted a resident donation rummage sale at Cross Village Senior
Apartments on August 21 and donated all remaining household goods and decorations
to House by the Side of the Road.

5. Community Outreach
The Ann Arbor Observer City Guide is featuring an article about the House by the Side
of the Road. Their cover includes a drawing of our building in the upper right corner,
just under the ladybug.

6. Facility Status
The missing shingles on our building were repaired August 13.

7. Safety Issues
None.


8. Incidents
None.

9. Areas that need attention
None.

10. Client Stories

A client came in right before he had a job interview. He picked out the clothes, shoes
and socks he needed for the interview and changed in the bathroom. He left his other
clothing and household items at the House to be picked up the next day, because he
didn’t want to arrive at the interview with them.


11. Overall Appearance and Organization
The weekend of August 15, a few of our volunteers replaced our old shelving units with
new shelving from Busch’s. The store, sorting, and tagging areas are looking well.

House Manager Report
September 9, 2026​

Submitted by Gemaya Griffin, House Manager