Austin Animal Center is a city-run no-kill shelter. Volunteers are required to attend a training session and commit to six hours a month. The nonprofit is operating services and opportunities by appointment only. 7201 Levander Loop, Bldg. A, Austin. 512-978-0500. www.austintexas.gov/department/aac
Austin Humane Society is a no-kill shelter that operates programs to save homeless cats and dogs, engage the community about pet ownership, and prevent future animal homelessness through spaying and neutering. Volunteer opportunities range from walking dogs, socializing cats, assisting in the clinic, fundraising and helping at events. 124 W. Anderson Lane, Austin. 512-646-7387. www.austinhumanesociety.org
Austin Parks Foundation partners with the community to make public parks, trails and green spaces better through volunteerism, programming, advocacy and financial support. Volunteers can participate in the It’s My Park Day event, held in March and November each year, as well as ongoing projects the first Saturday of every month. P.O. Box 6160 Austin, TX 78762. 512-477-1566. www.austinparks.org
Austin Pets Alive is an animal rescue group that creates programs to promote and provide the resources, education and programs needed to eliminate the killing of companion animals. Volunteer opportunities include walking dogs, taking care of cats, assisting in the medical clinic, or fostering cats or dogs. There are other opportunities, such as data entry and digital marketing as well as helping in the nonprofit’s thrift stores. 1156 W. Cesar Chavez St., Austin. 512-961-6519. www.austinpetsalive.org
Austin Zoo is a nonprofit zoo whose mission is to assist animals in need through rescue, conservation and education. Visitors can see and learn about rescued animals and spend time outdoors. Volunteers can help with groundskeeping, doing laundry and assisting zookeepers. 10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin. 512-288-1490. www.austinzoo.org
Keep Austin Beautiful inspires and educates all Austinites to volunteer together, beautify green spaces, clean waterways and reduce waste every day. Volunteer events include weekly community cleanups; bimonthly Clean Lady Bird Lake cleanups; Adopt-a-Creek restoration projects; and its largest annual cleanup in honor of Earth Month, Keep Austin Beautiful Day. 2200 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Austin. 512-391-0617. www.keepaustinbeautiful.org
The Trail Conservancy protects, enhances and connects the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. The foundation works to add resources to improve the natural areas around Lady Bird Lake. Volunteers help with restoration and land management work. P.O. Box 5195, Austin, TX 78763. 855-448-7245. www.thetrailconservancy.org
The Arts
The Contemporary Austin reflects the spectrum of contemporary art through exhibitions, commissions, education and its collection. Volunteers lead tours and help with visitor relations and clerical tasks. Individuals age 13 and up can volunteer at The Contemporary’s art school. Laguna Gloria: 3809 W. 35th St., Austin. 512-458-8191. Jones Center: 700 Congress Ave., Austin. 512-453-5312. www.thecontemporaryaustin.org
The Health Alliance for Austin Musicians provides access to affordable health care for Austin’s low-income working musicians with a focus on prevention and wellness. Volunteers help at community events and assist HAAM staff. 3010 S. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 200, Austin. 512-541-4226. www.myhaam.org
The Sims Foundation helps members of the music community and their families access affordable mental health and substance use recovery services. Volunteers primarily help at live music events, spreading the word about the foundation. 3010-B S. Lamar Blvd., Austin. 512-472-1008. www.simsfoundation.org
Swan Songs is a longtime Austin-based organization that provides musical last wishes for individuals with a terminal illness. There are a number of volunteer opportunities. Concert liaisons attend private concerts and act as facilitators for the musician, recipient, family and health care professionals. Event volunteers work on the annual fundraising and outreach event, the Swan Songs Serenade. Admin support helps with record keeping, database updates, mailings, filing, and more. P.O. Box 41475, Austin TX. 512-416-7926. www.swansongs.org/volunteer
Community and Family Support
Any Baby Can partners with families to overcome obstacles and achieve well-being. Programs meet clients where they are—virtually or at home, work or school—and help them build stability, develop skills and navigate systems so children and families reach their full potential. Any Baby Can offers a variety of volunteer opportunities throughout the year. 6207 Sheridan Ave., Austin. 512-454-3743. www.anybabycan.org
Assistance League of Austin is a volunteer organization that offers a variety of philanthropic programs, including helping individuals transitioning from homelessness to resettle and a toy cart providing gifts to children at Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas. Other programs include providing new clothing, toiletries and school supplies to children from Austin ISD schools and area shelters, items for teachers and scholarships for Austin Community College students. Programs are funded through the organization’s Thrift House, where volunteers can work. Volunteers must attend an orientation and training session and can sign up for opportunities online, which are scheduled monthly. 4901 Burnet Road, Austin. 512-458-3716. www.alaustin.org
Central Texas Food Bank is the largest hunger relief charity in Central Texas. Volunteers prepare food donations, distribute food at mobile pantries, and lend a hand in the kitchen and garden. 6500 Metropolis Drive, Austin. 512-282-2111. www.centraltexasfoodbank.org
Dress for Success Austin is a nonprofit that empowers women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire and development tools to help them thrive in work and in life. It offers free virtual and in-person career services, including professional clothing, career consulting, employment retention support, veteran support, financial education and mentorship. There are multiple volunteer opportunities. 3000 S. I-35, Ste. 180, Austin. 512-389-3723. www.dressforsuccessaustin.org
Goodwill Central Texas is dedicated to transforming generations by empowering people through education, career training and work. Volunteer opportunities include mentorship, tutoring, career guidance, and disassembling computers for resale and recycling. 1015 Norwood Park Blvd., Austin. 512-637-7179. www.goodwillcentraltexas.org
Keep Austin Fed is a food rescue organization that works to reduce hunger and help the environment by providing surplus food to those in need. Volunteers are needed for “food rescue runs”—using their own cars to pick food up from donor businesses and deliver it to designated partner organizations that have charitable feeding operations. 3903 S. Congress Ave., Ste. 40760, Austin. 512-831-3654. www.keepaustinfed.org
Lifeworks is an advocate for youth and families seeking a path to self-sufficiency. The organization’s mission is to make youth homelessness rare, brief and nonrecurring. Volunteers can host donation drives for items such as socks, toiletries and gift cards. Corporate volunteer opportunities are also available. 825 N. Pleasant Valley Road, Austin.512-735-2400. www.lifeworksaustin.org
Manos de Cristo provides basic needs assistance to low-income individuals in the form of food, clothing, dental care and educational development. Volunteers help in the food pantry and clothes closet, plan and work at events, complete administrative details, maintain the grounds and tutor. Volunteer dentists are also needed. 4911 Harmon Ave., Austin. 512-477-7454. www.manosdecristo.org
Mobile Loaves & Fishes is a social outreach ministry for individuals experiencing homelessness, providing food, clothing and other life-sustaining items every day of the year. Volunteers can serve on a food truck or at the organization’s Community First! Village. 9301 Hog Eye Road, Ste. 950, Austin. 512-328-7299. www.mlf.org/volunteer
The Safe Alliance has a mission to stop abuse for everyone. It is a merger of Austin Children’s Shelter and SafePlace, both longstanding human service agencies serving the survivors of child abuse, sexual assault and exploitation, and domestic violence. Volunteer opportunities during the pandemic involve off-site projects. 512-267-7233. www.safeaustin.org
The Salvation Army is Central Texas’ largest nonprofit provider of emergency shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Year-round volunteer projects include providing movie/game night baskets for families in shelter, assisting in the upkeep of their gardens, hosting or assisting in evening activities, and more. During the holiday season, volunteers sort and distribute gifts for the Angel Tree program at the Christmas Warehouse and work as bell ringers at area malls to raise money for their programs and services. 4700 Manor Road, Austin. 512-605-1410. www.doingmostgood.org/atx.
Skillpoint Alliance provides free hands-on training in the construction and manufacturing industries. The organization’s mission is to ensure every resident in the area has access to a successful career pathway. Volunteers are needed with experience in the electrical; heating, ventilation and air conditioning; manufacturing; or plumbing industries to provide career advice and offer job opportunities. 8868 Research Blvd., Ste. 505, Austin. 512-323-6773. www.skillpointalliance.org
Ten Thousand Villages of Austin is a fair-trade, nonprofit retail store providing income and opportunity to artisans in developing countries by marketing their handicrafts and telling their stories. Store volunteers welcome customers, provide information about the store’s mission, create displays, complete transactions and help with events. 4803 Burnet Road, Austin. 512-440-0440. www.tenthousandvillages.com/austin
United Way for Greater Austin brings people, ideas and resources together to fight poverty in the local community. United Way mobilizes thousands of volunteers annually, and opportunities range from one-time projects to those requiring more significant time commitments. 5930 Middle Fiskville Road, fifth floor, Austin. 512-472-6267. www.volunteer.uwatx.org
We Are Blood is the guardian of the community blood supply for more than 40 medical facilities in Central Texas. Volunteers assist with blood drives, serve refreshments in donor centers, provide office support and transport blood donations using the center’s vehicles. 4300 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin. 512-206-1266. www.weareblood.org
The YMCA of Austin is dedicated to building programs for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Volunteer opportunities include youth sports coaching, helping with community events and programs, child care support, cleaning and greeting. Volunteers can email [email protected] for more information. Town Lake: 1100 W. Cesar Chavez St., Austin. 512-542-9622. East Communities: 5315 Ed Bluestein Blvd., Austin. 512-933-9622. www.austinymca.org/volunteer
Helping Children
Austin Partners in Education improves student college and career readiness and expands STEM opportunities through community engagement. Volunteers can support Austin ISD middle and high school students through our Math Classroom Coaching and Mentoring programs. Locations vary. 512-637-0900. www.austinpartners.org
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas matches children age 6 and older with caring adults who serve as mentors, advocates, resources and guides. Volunteers commit to meeting with their “littles” three to four times a month. 4800 Manor Road, Bldg. K, Austin. 512-472-5437. www.bigmentoring.org
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Austin Area offers programs and services to help children succeed academically, develop leadership skills, and build character and healthy habits. Volunteers assist with daily tutoring, homework and general after-school activities at area schools. 6648 Ed Bluestein Blvd., Austin. 512-444-7199. www.bgcaustin.org
Breakthrough Central Texas helps students become the first in their family to earn a college degree. The nonprofit works with students from sixth grade through college graduation, offering advising, out-of-school experiences and programs to build leadership skills. Volunteers become college application coaches, reviewing essays and college applications in Austin and Manor school districts. 1050 E. 11th St., Austin. 512-692-9444. www.breakthroughctx.org
CASA of Travis County empowers volunteers to serve as court-appointed special advocates for children in the child welfare system. Volunteers spend time with the children; communicate regularly with family, caregivers, teachers and therapists; participate in case meetings; and present information and recommendations to a judge in court. No special training, experience or background is needed. 7600 Chevy Chase Drive, Austin. 512-459-2272. www.casatravis.org
Communities In Schools Central Texas works inside K-12 schools in partnership with teachers and administrators to address immediate student needs. The organization’s mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life. Volunteer opportunities are available at area schools to meet with students as a mentor, tutor or reading buddy. 3000 S. I-35, Ste. 200, Austin. 512-462-1771. www.ciscentraltexas.org
Con Mi Madre empowers young Latinas and their mothers through education and support services. Volunteers can be guest speakers for events or workshops; take pictures; help with social media and event coordinating; be fundraisers; or assist with administrative tasks. 4175 Freidrich Lane, Ste. 200, Austin. 512-467-4483. www.conmimadre.org
Explore Austin uses mentoring and outdoor adventure to empower youth from predominantly low-income communities. Through a six-year leadership-based adventure curriculum coupled with social-emotional learning components and long-term mentoring, the organization strengthens the well-being of each participant, their families and the community. 1111 W. 24th St., Ste. 201, Austin. 512-320-8899. www.exploreaustin.org
Girlstart encourages and empowers girls in STEM fields. Girlstart offers in-person and remote volunteer opportunities, including leading hands-on STEM activities, guest speaking, writing inspirational note cards, and more. 1400 W. Anderson Lane, Austin. 512-916-4775. www.girlstart.org
Health Services
Alzheimer’s Texas seeks to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research and to enhance care and support for those with the disease, their families and caregivers. Volunteers help facilitate support groups, plan special events, represent the nonprofit at health fairs, and serve as advocates and social media ambassadors. Virtual opportunities are also available. 7719 Wood Hollow Drive, Ste. 157, Austin. 512-241-0420. www.txalz.org
Autism Society Of Texas is an affiliate of the Autism Society of America that connects families and individuals to resources and support throughout the state. Volunteers help with programming for individuals with autism and special events. 300 E. Highland Mall Blvd., Ste. 205, Austin. 512-479-4199, ext. 4. www.texasautismsociety.org/volunteer/
Hospice Austin said it is the only nonprofit hospice provider in Central Texas and provides care to any person with a life expectancy of six months or less. Volunteers provide companionship to patients and their loved ones, offer bereavement support, help in the organization’s administrative offices and spread community awareness. The organization welcomes volunteers with special skills, such as acupuncturists, hairstylists, massage therapists, musicians and pet therapy volunteers. 4107 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin. Hospice Austin’s Christopher House: 2820 E. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Austin. 512-342-4700. www.hospiceaustin.org
Livestrong fights to improve the lives of people affected by cancer. The organization gives patients the resources and support they need to fight cancer head on each day. The local organization offers year-round internship and volunteer opportunities. 623 W. 38th St., Ste. 300, Austin. 877-236-8820. www.livestrong.org
Housing support
Austin Habitat for Humanity builds and repairs homes, and educates homebuyers. Volunteers work on homes and support ReStore, a discount home improvement store and donation center. Volunteers for a construction site in San Marcos are needed. 500 W Ben White Blvd., Austin. 512-472-8788, ext. 100. www.austinhabitat.org
Caritas of Austin works to prevent and end homelessness by providing safe places to live, access to healthy food, jobs that pay a reliable living wage and the opportunity to learn life skills. Volunteers can work in the organization’s community kitchen, provide administrative support to staff members, help with events or work with clients directly. 611 Neches St., Austin. 512-479-4610. www.caritasofaustin.org
Charlie Center is North Austin’s first homeless navigation center. The center provides services to help homeless individuals work toward finding permanent housing and offers hospitality and health care to meet physical needs. Volunteers can serve on the food hospitality team, distribute mail to guests, and help set up and clean up for events. 12675 Research Blvd., Austin. 512-922-8954. www.thecharliecenter.org
Foundation Communities provides affordable housing to families and individuals with low incomes across the city. Volunteers work with clients and residents in a variety of ways, such as serving meals, providing free tax preparation services, financial coaching and tutoring. 3000 S. I-35. Ste. 300, Austin. 512-610-7377. www.foundrom.org
Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center serves over 5,000 individuals each year as the largest provider of homeless services in Travis County offering innovative whole-person solutions to the whole-person trauma of being unsheltered. Individual and group volunteers can help in person to ensure clients receive daily meals, mail and other humanitarian aid; or remotely by preparing food, completing administrative tasks or fundraising. 4430 Menchaca Road, Austin. 512-368-2685. www.sunrisenavigation.org
Mothers’ Milk Bank at Austin has a mission to save babies’ lives by providing prescribed, pasteurized donor human milk. Volunteers opportunities include scrubbing in and processing milk in the lab, labeling life-saving bottles of donor milk and helping with administrative tasks. Visit the website to sign up to volunteer. 5925 Dillard Circle, Austin. 512-494-0800. www.milkbank.org/other-ways-to-support
Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas aims to create healthier communities by providing comprehensive reproductive and related health care services, delivering science-based education programs and serving as an advocate for reproductive justice in Texas. Volunteer opportunities include community outreach, event support and ongoing administrative projects in Planned Parenthood’s office. 201 E. Ben White Blvd., Austin. 512-275-0171. www.ppgreatertx.org
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas provides housing and support services for families while their children are hospitalized or enduring outpatient treatment with the goal of keeping families close to each other. RMHC CTX has individual and group volunteer opportunities, including preparing meals for families at the Ronald McDonald House, pushing the Happy Wheels Carts through the halls of local hospitals, helping with special events and fundraisers and hosting drives to collect items for the RMHC CTX guest families. 1315 Barbara Jordan Blvd., Austin. 512-472-9844. www.rmhc-ctx.org.
Senior and Disabled Resources
Age of Central Texas serves older adults and family caregivers. The organization is currently offering volunteer opportunities—both one-time and on-going—to work with older adults in the AGE Thrive Social & Wellness Centers and the Health Equipment Lending Program. 3710 Cedar St., Austin. 512-451-4611. www.ageofcentraltx.org
Chariot helps nondriving seniors age in place by providing transportation and socialization. Volunteers are required to complete a minimum of one drive per month with rides coordinated by phone or email. Round trips typically take around two to three hours and around an hour for a one-way drop-off. Visit the website to sign up to volunteer in a specific region of Central Texas. 724 Eberhart Lane, Ste. 500, Austin. 512-445-5552. www.chariot.org
Drive a Senior-ATX enables older adults to live independently, avoid social isolation, age in place and enhance their quality of life by providing free transportation and other support services. Volunteers may transport seniors to medical appointments, assist them with groceries and participate in weekly phone conversations, known as friendly calling. There is no minimum time commitment for volunteers, and services are coordinated online. Interested volunteers can register on the website. 2601 Exposition Blvd., Austin. 512-472-6339. www.driveasenioratx.org
The Marbridge Foundation is a nonprofit residential community that offers support and lifetime care to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Volunteers help with classes, community activities and the equestrian center.. 2310 Bliss Spillar Road, Manchaca. 512-282-1144. www.marbridge.org
Meals On Wheels Central Texas offers homebound adults an array of holistic programs that help clients maintain their independence and age in place. Volunteers deliver meals and groceries by car and serve as companions for individuals with memory loss. 3227 E. Fifth St., Austin. 512-476-6325. www.mealsonwheelscentraltexas.org
