Frequently Asked Questions

We take in MILLIONS of dollars in BRAND NEW products, from both national and local businesses. Then we match those items to needs identified by local nonprofits and schools.

We have the WOW effect. Many members receive thousands of dollars in supplies every week/month, for a fraction of the price. We most often hear “I am overwhelmed by all that you offer!”

All Storehouse products are provided by our generous donors and corporate partners. Many products come to us from big box stores around the country that are looking to give back to the community with their overstock items.

Our inventory varies daily, but primarily includes essential classroom supplies such as paper, pencils, crayons/markers, folders, notebooks, and binders. We also frequently carry furniture, personal care items, toys, housewares, appliances, clothes, and additional items like small rugs, wipes, Kleenex, paperclips, staples, rubber bands, and backpacks when available.

Because of the number of groups we serve, and the varying areas of impact, there is no one formula for effective use. Pregnancy groups access diapers, clothes, bedding, and cleaning supplies. Housing groups access furniture, inflatable beds, bedding, dishes and other household items to impact those they are moving out of homelessness. See our Facebook page and Latest News page for lots of great stories of impact.

In 2022, Storehouse’s member organizations positively impacted over 500,000 people across the state of Michigan.

Because the Storehouse operates by scheduled shopping appointments and nonprofits are accessing needed goods, we make every attempt to stay open. If we are unable to remain open due to inclement weather, we will post closing information on our social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) and check the Fox 17 weather closings.

Access to millions of dollars in free/very low-cost household and school-related supplies.

Michigan 501(c)3 Nonprofits and Schools

We offer two types of memberships:

1. Warehouse memberships for 501(c)3 nonprofits and ANY school.
2. School memberships to our Teacher Resource Store. This membership is reserved for schools where 70% or more of students are from low-income households. Supplies in the Teacher Resource Store are TOTALLY FREE. Please note that school memberships do not include access to the warehouse.

Learn more about memberships

1. Warehouse memberships shoppers must be staff within the organization (volunteer or paid positions). Authorized shoppers can only be added by the main contact person for your organization.
2. School memberships to the Teacher Resource Store must be from qualifying member schools and be full-time teachers with their own classroom. This does not include support staff and administrators.

No, there is not a fee to be a member. There are small administrative handling fees for the product(s) selected while shopping in the warehouse. There is zero cost for approved members to shop at the Teacher Resource Store; each teacher has access to shop twice per year.

Apply on our website: warehouse membership or school membership.

Payment is expected at the time of shopping. We do not invoice. Accepted payment methods are: cash, check, credit/debit card (+fee).

Shopping trips are scheduled through Sign Up Genius and are limited to ONE HOUR on site.

Due to staff and space limitations, pickups must occur immediately after your shopping appointment.

At your first shopping visit, you will receive instructions about how our warehouse is laid out, and details on the process such as: how to fill out the inventory form, how to aggregate your products, checking out and loading.

We do not supply bags. Apple boxes are available on a limited basis and may be required to be left in the building or returned. Please plan to bring your own boxes/bags.

Occasionally, but not guaranteed. All partners will be responsible for handling and loading of products.

Members are required to have a maximum of 4 authorized shoppers at each appointment.

The Teacher Resource Store is reserved for full-time teaching staff with their own classroom. This does NOT include ParaPros, administrators, social workers, librarians, media, behavioral specialists, nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists, custodians, or speech language therapists. Friends and family are not allowed to accompany teachers while shopping. All teachers need to shop during their scheduled appointment time.

While our inventory is always in flux, we focus on the core items needed for success in the classroom. These are paper, pencils, crayons/markers, folders, notebooks, and binders. In addition, we are often able to provide some furniture, small rugs, wipes, Kleenex, paperclips, staples, rubber bands, and even backpacks at times!

Each teacher must present their school photo identification in order to shop. You should also bring bags or boxes to pack and carry your items.

Unfortunately, no. Our sponsorship agreement with donors requires that all member schools are at 70% or above low-income student population.

We encourage teachers to bring their own; we cannot guarantee boxes will be available.

No. All teachers will be responsible for the handling of products.

No. Please keep in mind that all supplies received at Storehouse are for use in the classroom with your students and not for personal benefit or resale.

There are several volunteer options, most taking place during the workday hours. See our volunteer schedule →

Absolutely! We have opportunities for sorting small items, tidying the space, and helping with administrative tasks and events. Learn more about our volunteer roles →

We would love to set something up! Please register here to get started →