Alpha House
Our network is our net worth
.png)
What can you do for families at Alpha House during the holidays?
Alpha House now has over 40 families in shelter at any given time, in addition to our home-based families experiencing their first holiday back in stable shelter, and we’ve decided that donations of stockings and gifts are no longer feasible due to physical space limitations and operational capacity.
Over the years, families have made us aware that they would like to do their own shopping for their children. Based on this feedback from the families and our capacity, we are requesting donations of gift cards for the 2026 holiday season. Each resident will receive $50 in gift cards, for up to $500 per family. Visa/Mastercard gift cards in 25$ increments ($25, $50, $100) are best, as they allow families to purchase food and gift items wherever they desire.
If you wish to organize a donation of gift cards for Holiday Wishes, or if you have any questions, please reach out to our Development Team at volunteering@alphahouse-ihn.org or call our front desk at (734) 822-0220.
All donations are appreciated, but if your organization chooses to donate items that we cannot utilize for the holidays, they may be passed along to other local organizations who serve the community with a similar mission to ours.
Families sheltering with us as of Nov. 1 will receive gifts. Should families exit prior to December 25th, gift cards will follow them. Gift cards will be distributed to families by Monday, December 14th. We will continue to accept Holiday Wishes gift cards through January 1st, as anything not distributed for the holidays will be utilized to support our families into the new year.
Thank you for choosing to give the gift of joy this holiday season!
Holiday Wishes FAQs
Why no gifts/stocking stuffers this year?
Last year, Alpha House had a significantly smaller number of families staying in our shelters. Now, with the opening of Del's House last November, we have tripled our capacity, therefore increasing the number of people to think about for the holidays. We do not have the staff nor the storage space to coordinate gifts for all of these families. Gift cards are easy to keep track of, and easier to ensure that every family receives equitable support for the holidays.
Also, families staying in our shelters have expressed that they prefer to shop for their own children and loved ones, rather than have gifts donated.
What kind of gift cards?
Visa/Mastercard gift cards in increments of $25 dollars ($25, $50, $100) are preferred, to allow families at Alpha House to utilize them wherever they wish.
I can only donate one gift card, is that okay?
Yes! Alpha House is more than grateful for every donation, no matter the size.
Where do I drop them off?
You can bring gift cards to Alpha House at 4290 Jackson Road and deliver them to our Operations Staff at the front desk! Please be sure to give your name and affiliation, if applicable, at the desk when you drop them off. We want to be able to thank you!
Why not Meijer gift cards like last year?
While Meijer is a close, versatile store for our Jackson Road shelter, Del's House is not as conveniently-located to a Meijer. Also, we would like to give the families as much freedom as possible in purchasing gifts for their loved ones.
But I want to shop for holiday gifts?
Alpha House strives to help families find stable housing, increase independence, and thrive. Ultimately, the needs and well-being of the families staying in our shelters, and the physical limitations of our staff and space, come before the desires of volunteers and community supporters.
If you truly want to do more for Alpha House this holiday season, please reach out to the Development Team at volunteering@alphahouse-ihn.org.
Thank you!