Photo of Alpha House resident
Interfaith Hospitality Network of Washtenaw County at Alpha House 4290 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103, 734-822-0220

Ways to Give -

Wish List

Interfaith Hospitality Network at Alpha House relies heavily on the generosity of the community to help keep the shelter stocked and meet the many significant material needs of our families. We are grateful for your support!

Please read the information below for donation ideas and to find out what items will be the most helpful to families experiencing homelessness.

We are blessed with many offers of donations ranging from all sorts of goods given directly to our families as well as items to be used at the shelter. Because of Alpha House's limited storage space we are unable to accept the following items: clothing, stuffed animals, computer equipment, furniture, toys, and books.

If you have questions about donating items to Alpha House, please contact IHN Volunteer Coordinator, Heidi Beck at hbeck@alphahouse-ihn.org or 734-822-0220.

Donation Programs

Welcome and Blessing Baskets: When families enter Alpha House, they receive a “Welcome Basket,” and when families move out of the shelter, we give them a “Blessing Basket.” These baskets contain items they will use at the shelter as well as items they will need when they move into their own housing. Many of these items are difficult and/or costly for them to acquire through other sources. We estimate that the Welcome Basket would cost about $75 and the Blessing Basket would cost about $125. Donating a complete basket is fantastic, but not necessary — you may also donate some of the items from these lists, and they will go towards completing a basket.

Giving Tree and Always Needed Items: Each item listed on the Giving Tree is a unique item that is especially needed here at Alpha House right now. In addition to the immediate needs listed on the Giving Tree, we have many other items that are always needed at the shelter and by the families we serve.

Holiday Wishes: Share your resources with families at Alpha House by supporting a family during the winter holidays either by donating needed items or by volunteering your time during the holidays. Please contact IHN Volunteer Coordinator Heidi Beck at 734-822-0220 or hbeck@alphahouse-ihn.org. We are grateful for your partnership!

Directions for Giving

If you plan on supporting the families of Alpha House through any of these donation programs, please let us know! Donations can be dropped off during normal business hours. If you have questions regarding shelter needs, or to learn more about how you can help, please contact the IHN Volunteer Coordinator, Heidi Beck at hbeck@alphahouse-ihn.org; or call 822-0220.

Always Needed

  • Gift cards for $10 (Meijer's, Target, gas stations, etc.) to be used for family emergency needs and birthday gifts.
  • Unopened general over-the-counter medications and first aid supplies (for colds, pain, ointments, vitamins, kid band-aids).
  • Office supplies (pens, printing paper, post-it notes, pads of paper, folders, staples, file folders, paper clips, 3-ring binders etc.)
  • Plastic storage bins (all sizes)
  • Diapers (all sizes)
  • Laundry detergent and household cleaning supplies
  • Plastic clothing hangers
  • Laundry baskets
  • Sturdy, new backpacks
  • Batteries (all sizes, especially AA)
  • Alarm clocks
  • New bedding (twin sheets, pillows, plastic mattress pads)
  • New or gently used towels
  • Nightlights
  • Unopened, regular sized toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, deodorant).

The Giving Tree

  • Gift Cards for $10 (Meijer's, Target, Kroger, gas stations) to be used for family emergency needs and birthday gifts
  • New or gently used warm blankets
  • Complete place settings (dishes, cups, silverware)
  • New bike helmets
  • New or gently used bikes in great condition (all sizes)
  • Flood light bulbs (compact fluorescents preferred).
  • Flip charts (Post-It Note style)
  • Professional grade vacuum cleaner
  • Air-pump (for bike tires, balls, etc)
  • Family friendly DVD's
  • Small anvil prunners
  • Large pruning loppers
  • Lowe's gift cards
  • Bird seed
  • Art activity kits
  • New women's socks (all sizes)
  • New men's socks (all sizes)
  • Baby monitors
  • Baby gates
  • Bathroom rugs
  • Art activity kits
  • Large colorful world maps
  • Dictionaries

Welcome Baskets

  • Large laundry basket
  • Alarm clock
  • 4 New or gently used towel sets
  • 2 New pillows
  • 2 New sheet sets, twin size
  • New simple daily planner
  • Wall calendar
  • Air fresheners
  • Plastic hangers

Blessing Baskets

  • Large laundry basket
  • First Aid Kit (band-aids, tape, alcohol swabs, tweezers, thermometer, anti-bacterial cream) Items should be unopened.
  • Tool Kit (tool box, hammer, nail/screw pack, 2 screwdrivers, pliers, flashlight)
  • Cleaning Kit (pail, sponges, broom, cleaning products, laundry detergent)
  • Batteries (all sizes, especially AA)
  • Child safety outlet covers
  • Light bulbs
  • Bath mat
  • Front door mat
  • Air fresheners

© 2003 - Interfaith Hospitality Network of Washtenaw County at Alpha House