Let us help you find a volunteer project!

FISHER HOUSE – MICHAEL E. DeBAKEY VA MEDICAL CENTER

What Is It?

The Houston Fisher House provides a “home away from home” for families and patients receiving medical care within MEDVAMC. It is available free of charge to families of Veterans being treated for long-term illnesses.

Help Needed:

Provide meals or snacks, decorate for various holidays and bring holiday treats, collect needed items, help enhance the landscaping, and other projects. Please check with Fisher House for COVID-related updates.

Minimum Age to Volunteer

None, but volunteers under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

FORT BEND WOMEN’S CENTER

What Is It?

The primary provider of assistance services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault in Fort Bend County, offering a shelter and a range of other services.

Help Needed:

Help at the Center’s four resale stores, collect needed items for the Center’s clients, help with landscaping or other projects. Please contact the Center for COVID-related updates.

Minimum Age to Volunteer

12. Students must be 15 to volunteer without a parent or guardian present. Students ages 12-14 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

FREEWHEELS HOUSTON

What Is It?

A nonprofit that collects used bicycles; refurbishes them to safe, reliable condition; and distributes them to refugees and other recent arrivals in Houston who need a way to get to work or school.

Help Needed:

Help repair, maintain, and/or clean donated bikes (instruction provided); help distribute bikes and equipment to refugees. Please contact Freewheels for COVID-related updates; they can accept fewer volunteers and may be only able to accept experienced volunteers.

Minimum Age to Volunteer

Volunteer mechanics must be high school juniors and seniors, ages 16-18. Volunteers age 12 and up may help clean bikes and perform routine maintenance.

FRIENDS FOR LIFE

What Is It?

A no kill shelter and adoption agency that offers other services, including free spay/neuter services for animals in low-income communities, an animal food bank, and free behavioral services.

Help Needed:

Care for cats and dogs, work at adoption centers, help with administration/reception, assist with “Fix Houston” programs in local communities. Please contact the agency for COVID-related updates.

Minimum Age to Volunteer

16

FRIENDS OF THE HOUSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY

What Is It?

The Friends processes books that have been donated by Houston Public Library branches and by the community, then sells the books at affordable quarterly book sales and on its Amazon storefront. The sales fund literacy and cultural programs for the Houston community.

Help Needed:

Sort and scan books, list books for sale on Amazon, help move boxes in the warehouse,or similar tasks. Please contact Friends for COVID-related updates.

Minimum Age to Volunteer

13

FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE OF HOUSTON

What Is It?

The mission of the Friendship Circle is to create meaningful relationships between local teen volunteers and children with special needs.

Help Needed:

Opportunities include helping at inclusive Jewish and social programs including bowling parties, challah baking, tennis outings, and Shabbat dinners; making regular visits to buddies with disabilities; and assisting with the annual Friendship Walk. Please contact the Friendship Circle for COVID-related updates.

Minimum Age to Volunteer

11. Volunteers must be in or entering 6th grade for group events, and in or entering 8th grade for the one-on-one Friends@Home program.

GALVESTON BAY FOUNDATION

What Is It?

A nonprofit that works “to preserve and enhance Galveston Bay as a healthy and productive place for generations to come” though advocacy, conservation, education, and research.

Help Needed:

Help with Abandoned Crab Trap Removal (February), the Armand Bayou Trash Bash (March), Marsh Mania marsh grass planting (April), or the Bay Day Festival (May), or assist in other ways. Please contact the GBF for COVID-related updates.

Minimum Age to Volunteer

None. All ages are welcome for most activities.

GENERATION ONE

What Is It?

A nonprofit ministry committed to the spiritual growth & physical rebuilding of the impoverished areas of the Third Ward. Programs include a school, home repair and other neighborhood revitalization programs, mentoring, and a children’s summer program.

Help Needed:

Help with after school or summer programs, mentor students, help with lot clearance and home painting, or collect needed items.

Minimum Age to Volunteer

No minimum age.

GIGI’S PLAYHOUSE SUGAR LAND

What Is It?

A nonprofit “Down syndrome achievement center” that provides educational and therapeutic programs for all ages, one-on-one tutoring and support for individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and the community. All programs are free.

Help Needed:

Volunteer opportunities include leading or assisting with programs; helping with crafts, games, and other activities; assisting with social/awareness events or fundraisers; and taking photos. Please contact Gigi’s Playhouse for COVID-related updates.

Minimum Age to Volunteer

15, to volunteer independently. Individual volunteers aged 15-17 need parental waivers. There is no minimum age, but each volunteer under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a parent /guardian.

HABITAT FOR HORSES

What Is It?

A not-for-profit equine protection agency committed to the prevention, rescue, and rehabilitation of neglected, abused, and homeless equine. It operates a rehabilitation ranch, an adoption/education center, a 160-acre therapy center, and an equine retirement facility.

Help Needed:

Help with ranch work, yard work, or construction / repair projects, or collect needed items. Please contact Habitat for Horses for COVID-related updates.

Minimum Age to Volunteer

13. Youth aged 13–17 must have a parent or guardian present and volunteer with them.

HARRIS COUNTY – HOUSTON SPORTS AUTHORITY

What Is It?

The HCHSA works “to attract sporting events to Houston and to promote the city as a home for sports-related activities, to ultimately enhance Houston’s economic development and bring better quality of life for its residents.”

Help Needed:

Volunteers assist at various events during the year, including championship games and other competitions. Please contact the Sports Authority for COVID-related updates.

Minimum Age to Volunteer

Minors aged 16-17 may volunteer, but a waiver form must be signed by a parent/legal guardian and a chaperone (at least 18 years old) must be present with the minor at all times during each event.

HARRIS COUNTY PETS

What Is It?

Formerly called the Harris County Animal Shelter, this busy shelter receives an average of 40-60 lost, neglected, and abandoned animals each day. It also offers a low-cost clinic and other services.

Help Needed:

The shelter always needs compassionate volunteers to help care for its animals. “Whether you enjoy working with cats, dogs, or people in our community, we have opportunities available that are sure to fit your interests and schedule.”

Minimum Age to Volunteer

16. Volunteers under age 18 must have a parent’s or guardian’s form on file but can volunteer independently.

HARRIS HEALTH SYSTEM COLLECTION / ASSEMBLY / CRAFT PROJECTS

What Is It?

A healthcare system that cares for all residents of Harris County and includes community health centers, school-based clinics, mobile health units, a rehabilitation and specialty hospital, and two full-service hospitals.

Help Needed:

Prepare Waiting Room Survival Kits, Toiletry Kits, or Diversion Kits; collect books, magazines, toys, or inexpensive prizes; or make baby hats, no-sew blankets, or other items.

Minimum Age to Volunteer

All ages are welcome to collect, assemble, and make items.

HARRIS HEALTH SYSTEM SUMMER JUNIOR VOLUNTEER PROGRAM

What Is It?

A healthcare system that cares for all residents of Harris County and includes community health centers, school-based clinics, mobile health units, a rehabilitation and specialty hospital, and two full-service hospitals.

Help Needed:

Volunteers serve at least 4 hours per week for 8 weeks; duties may include being a host/greeter, performing clerical duties, or assisting in a nursing station. The Summer 2021 program will be completely virtual. The application is available on the Junior Volunteer page.

Minimum Age to Volunteer

14 (entering 9th grade).

THE HEALTH MUSEUM

What Is It?

A nonprofit, interactive learning center that inspires passion and curiosity about health, the medical sciences, and the human body, attracting more than 2.5 million visitors a year.

Help Needed:

Assist with week-long Summer Discovery Camps relating to medicine, forensic science, and sports. Please contact the Health Museum for COVID-related updates.

Minimum Age to Volunteer

Camp volunteers must be 16 by May 1.

HEIGHTS INTERFAITH MINISTRIES FOOD PANTRY

What Is It?

A volunteer-run food pantry, providing nutritious groceries to Houston families who seek help, and delivering frozen meals and groceries to the homebound.

Help Needed:

Help organize donations and stock shelves, help distribute food to clients, assist with monthly food fairs, help unload deliveries, conduct food drives. Please contact the Food Pantry for COVID-related updates.

Minimum Age to Volunteer

16

HERMANN PARK CONSERVANCY

What Is It?

A nonprofit organization dedicated to the stewardship and improvement of Hermann Park – today and for generations to come.

Help Needed:

General park care such as weeding, planting, caring for picnic tables and benches, and repairing trails, or helping with special events. Please contact the Conservancy for COVID-related updates.

Minimum Age to Volunteer

Varies. Job shadow participants must be 13-17. Special event volunteers may need to be at least 16. In general, applicants under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult, or a parent/guardian must give written permission to participate.

HOLOCAUST MUSEUM HOUSTON

What Is It?

A museum dedicated to educating people about the Holocaust, and using the lessons of the Holocaust and other genocides to teach the dangers of hatred, prejudice, and apathy.

Help Needed:

Projects could include helping with the Museum’s store or in its resource center & library, or with administrative tasks. Please contact the Museum for COVID-related updates.

Minimum Age to Volunteer

17

HOUSE OF AMOS

What Is It?

A non-profit organization that assists people in need through emergency food pantry operations and services designed to assist individuals in gaining healthy families and meaningful employment, and achieving self-sufficiency.

Help Needed:

Help organize and distribute food in the Emergency Food Pantry, collect items for or help at the the resale shop, or help with the Christmas celebration. Please contact the House of Amos for COVID-related updates.

Minimum Age to Volunteer

None. Volunteers under age 13 are welcome to volunteer with a parent or guardian. Volunteers between the ages of 13 and 15 must be accompanied by a parent the first time they volunteer. Volunteers under age 18 must have a parent or guardian’s signature on the registration form.

HOUSTON ARBORETUM & NATURE CENTER

What Is It?

A 155-acre non-profit urban nature sanctuary that provides education about the natural environment to people of all ages, and plays a vital role in protecting native plants and animals in the heart of the city where development threatens their survival.

Help Needed:

Help with conservation and maintenance of the trails and grounds, summer and school break camps for children, holiday parties and other special events, and/or administrative tasks.

Minimum Age to Volunteer

15

HOUSTON AREA WOMEN’S CENTER

What Is It?

A nonprofit that provides advocacy, counseling, shelter, and resources to individuals affected by domestic and sexual violence, and works to end domestic and sexual violence through community awareness and education.

Help Needed:

Collect needed supplies, including personal items for clients and their children, clothing that women can wear home from the hospital, books for the shelter library, and activity bags for children who testify in court. During the pandemic, the HAWC is only accepting donations through its Amazon Wish List.

Minimum Age to Volunteer

None (to collect / donate items)

HOUSTON AUDUBON

What Is It?

A conservation, education, and advocacy organization that focuses on protecting the natural environment for birds and people. It owns and manages 17 nature sanctuaries to protect habitat for birds and to give people recreational opportunities in nature.

Help Needed:

Trail maintenance, invasive species removal, filling bird feeders and baths, litter pick-up, native gardening, and other habitat improvement projects. Please contact Houston Audubon for COVID-related updates.

Minimum Age to Volunteer

Varies. For most events, everyone is welcome, but volunteers under 14 must to attend with a parent or other adult. Volunteers must be 15 to work on trails.

HOUSTON BOTANIC GARDEN

What Is It?

Opened in Fall 2020, the HBG is intended to become “an oasis of great beauty allowing for contemplation, learning, inspiration, and research,” offering displays and programs, serving as a model for sustainability, and inspiring visitors to be stewards of the natural world.

Help Needed:

Volunteer projects include horticulture & gardening support, administrative work, cultivating the community garden, and helping with classes and special events. Please contact the HBG for COVID-related updates.

Minimum Age to Volunteer

5. Volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent/guardian while volunteering. Students must be 18 to volunteer independently.

HOUSTON COMMUNITY TOOLBANK

What Is It?

A nonprofit tool lending program that serves other nonprofits by providing fast and easy access to large volumes of high-quality tools to increase the impact of service projects and community revitalization efforts.

Help Needed:

Organize, repair, and/or paint tools; help fulfill tool orders; assemble disaster readiness kits; help with data entry or photography. Volunteer opportunities are limited during the pandemic; please contact the ToolBank for updates.

Minimum Age to Volunteer

16

HOUSTON FOOD BANK

What Is It?

A nonprofit that feeds 800,000 hungry people each year by distributing food through nearly 600 hunger relief agencies in 18 southeast Texas counties.

Help Needed:

Projects include sorting and packaging food, preparing meals, helping provide school supplies to teachers, organizing food drives, posting on social media, and helping with special events.

Minimum Age to Volunteer

Minimum age to volunteer: Children as young as age 6 are welcome for many projects. Volunteers under age 17 must be accompanied by an adult parent or guardian while volunteering.

HOUSTON FURNITURE BANK

What Is It?

A non-profit that collects home furnishings and distributes them at no cost to families and individuals who have found housing through a social service agency or are assisted through a non-profit community organization.

Help Needed:

Needs include assembling or moving furniture, helping with mattress recycling, organizing donated items, or helping in the office. Please contact the Furniture Bank for COVID-related updates.

Minimum Age to Volunteer

No minimum age to volunteer with a parent or guardian. Volunteers must be 18 to serve independently.

HOUSTON HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

What Is It?

A nonprofit that, with thousands of sponsors and volunteers, helps build homes for low-income Houstonians. Future homeowners contribute “sweat equity” and complete home maintenance and financial training to buy homes with zero interest mortgages.

Help Needed:

Assist with home construction or help at ReStore, Habitat’s donation-based retail store.

Minimum Age to Volunteer

16 or older to work on the build site, and at least 18 to use power tools and to participate in roof work.