BARC is the official municipal animal shelter and adoption facility for the city of Houston. (BARC Animal Shelters and Adoptions)
Looking to lend a hand in neighborhoods across Houston, Bellaire, Meyerland and West University Place? Check out these local nonprofit groups that offer volunteer opportunities and accept donations.
This list is not comprehensive.
Girls Empowerment Network
Girls Empowerment Network’s mission is to ignite the power in girls by teaching them the skills to thrive and believe in their ability to be unstoppable. The organization advances self-efficacy—or the belief in oneself to succeed—in girls in grades 3-12 through programs that foster confidence, coping skills, collaboration, communication, critical thinking, creativity and changemaking.
Sample activities: writing Relatable Role Model Letters, creating Bestie Bracelets or serving as a weekly in-school co-facilitator for the Radiant G Circle program
Donations accepted: money, merchandise sales, car donations, stock donations
No physical office location; donations are accepted online and programming is delivered on school campuses
The animal shelter is dedicated to helping animals in Houston and provides sheltering and veterinary care for pets as well as adoption, fostering programs and live release initiatives.
Sample activities: animal care, administrative help, facility beautification and construction, working at special events, fostering, assisting with adoptions at BARC or off site
Donations accepted: money, personal checks, dog and cat food, toys, treats, leashes and collars, flea shampoo, towels, detergent, litter, unopened rubbing alcohol, dish soap
The nonprofit organization creates opportunities for people to prosper through financial stability services coupled with youth development programs, healthcare and disaster recovery.
Sample activities: plant a community garden, pack a meal, assist with a book drive, read to students, distribute pantry items, assist with senior programs, build toys for children and more
The nonprofit works to provide resources to support at-risk children in Child Protective Services in Houston as well as children who are referred to the organization.
Sample activities: helping with community events, creating hygiene packs and school bags, hosting donation drives, supporting seasonal initiatives throughout the year
Donations accepted: money, hygiene products for babies and children, toys, books, diapers, clothing and shoes in all sizes, blankets, backpacks and school supplies
The Houston-based nonprofit works with more than 60 farmers with refugee backgrounds, including farmers operating five urban sites and four rural sites. Its mission is to support independent farmers with refugee backgrounds in developing sustainable farming businesses that produce healthy food for the community.
Sample activities: helping urban farmers weed, mulch and compost, working at a local farmers market, being a veggie guide content creator
