For those looking to help out in the Houston community, there are several local nonprofit groups that offer volunteer opportunities and accept donations. This list is noncomprehensive.
Empower Children
1. Girls Empowerment Network
The organization aims to help teach young girls the skills they need to be successful. Volunteers can sign up to write role model letters to encourage girls in the community, create affirmation bookmarks that are included in swag bags and sign up for Girl Connect events, where they work with girls to increase self-efficiency, resiliency and positive connection.
Application required
4660 Beechnut St., Ste. 102, Houston
713-773-4858
www.girlsempowermentnetwork.org
2. Montrose Grace Place
The organization aims to provide a safe place for youth and young adults ages 13-24 of all sexualities and genders experiencing homelessness in the Montrose area. Volunteers can provide and serve dinner, facilitate group activities, help clean the clothing closet and provide direct mentorship.
Application required, training required for direct mentors, background check required, Under 18 allowed
2515 Waugh Drive, Houston
832-239-0824
www.montrosegraceplace.org
3. Workshop Houston
The nonprofit’s mission is to provide creative, technical and educational resources to young people who are involved in the arts. Volunteers help work with students during after-school programs and are encouraged to commit to working one afternoon per week during the semester.
Application required
3615 Sauer St., Houston
713-807-7911
www.workshophouston.org
Care for the environment
4. Coastal Prairie Conservancy
This organization works to preserve and protect the acres that make up Katy Prairie for the well-being of the wildlife and people in the area. One of its main goals is land conservation and restoration. Volunteers can help with seed collecting, take care of the plant nursery, serve as docents, help with pocket prairie initiatives and take part in Stewardship Saturdays, which involve combating invasive species and restoring prairie habitats.
Application, background check required, Under 18 allowed
Houston office: 5615 Kirby Drive, Ste. 867, Houston
Field office: 31975 Hebert Road, Waller
713-523-6135
www.coastalprairieconservancy.org
5. Plant it Forward
The Houston-based nonprofit is dedicated to ensuring that new American farmers have access to knowledge networks, resources and fair markets. The nonprofit works with more than 60 farmers with refugee backgrounds, including farmers operating five urban sites and four rural sites. Volunteers can help urban farmers with tasks like weeding, mulching and composting. They can also work alongside a new American farmer at a local farmers market, help distribute health food to Houston families and help staff with special projects.
Orientation required (except for community work days), Under 18 allowed
Fondren: 10595 Fondren Road, Houston
Westbury: 12581 Dunlap St., Houston
Montrose: 1318 Sul Ross St., Houston
Blossom Heights: 8720 Lipan Road, Houston
713-432-0754
www.plantitforward.farm
Feed the Hungry
6. Houston Food Bank
The nonprofit collects, inspects, sorts, stores and distributes food to community partners, such as pantries, soup kitchens, schools and multi-service centers, among others. Partner organizations then give out food directly to those who need it in the community. Volunteers can sort food, build home delivery kits, assist with hot meals, and distribute food and school supplies. Volunteer groups are welcome.
Registration preferred, Under 18 allowed
East branch: 535 Portwall St., Houston
North branch: 146 Knobcrest Drive, Houston
832-369-9390
www.houstonfoodbank.org/volunteernow
7. Second Servings of Houston
The nonprofit rescues surplus perishable food from retailers, distributors and manufacturers, and delivers it directly to local nonprofits. Volunteers can assist drivers with food rescues throughout the day. Opportunities are available to those ages 16 and older.
Application, orientation required, Under 18 allowed
8825 Knight Road, Houston
713-824-4763
www.secondservingshouston.org
Help Animals
8. Special Pals Rescue Resource Center
This animal welfare nonprofit works to save animal lives and is the oldest no-kill shelter in Houston. The center provides adoptions, fostering, low-cost clinics and rescue boarding. Volunteers can take care of the animals, assist with administrative work, help with community events and help transport animals to local veterinarians for medical needs.
Application, orientation required, Under 18 allowed
3830 Greenhouse Road, Houston
281-579-7387
www.specialpals.org
Better the City
9. Freewheels Houston
The organization takes used, donated bikes and redistributes them to people who need them. Volunteers can help with bike repairs, including cleaning bikes, fixing flats and assisting with bike distribution.
Orientation included as part of first shift, Under 18 allowed
6020 Jessamine St., Ste. 204, Houston
281-864-0725
www.freewheelshouston.org
Support Families
10. The Alliance
The nonprofit assists those who face financial, educational, health, language or cultural barriers with several core programs that go beyond refugee settlement and social-educational and wellness services. Volunteers can assist with special events, help with administrative tasks, sort donations, help interpret foreign languages, and serve as English language partners, job readiness mentors or refugee youth mentors.
Application, background check required
6420 Hillcroft Ave., Houston
713-776-4700
www.thealliancetx.org
11. Emergency Aid Coalition
The nonprofit helps families meet basic needs and promotes self-sufficiency through an interfaith association of member congregations. It provides temporary assistance with food, clothing and other basic needs. Volunteers can interview clients; help with phone calls and mailings; coordinate local food and clothing drives; enter grocery data; stock and pack groceries; make sandwiches; sort, size and hang up clothes; and pick up and deliver food.
Application required
5401 Fannin St., Houston
713-528-3663
www.eachouston.org
12. Houston Area Women’s Center
This organization works to combat domestic violence, sexual assault and sex trafficking. It offers crisis intervention, support programs and violence prevention initiatives. Volunteers can help provide child care, answer hotline calls, assist with administrative duties and create supply kits for survivors.
Application, orientation, background check required
713-528-6798
www.hawc.org
13. Houston Welcomes Refugees
The organization helps ease the resettlement process for refugees coming to Houston by mobilizing volunteers to foster hope. Volunteers can donate a welcome kit, deliver groceries and join welcome teams, which involve partnering with a family in friendship.
Application, orientation, background check required, Under 18 allowed
946 W. 17th St., Houston
www.houstonwelcomesrefugees.com
