Serve for Good

Volunteer Opportunities for Houston Teens

Southeast Houston

ANGELA HOUSE

What Is It?

A transitional home for women coming out of incarceration. “Through comprehensive programs and partnerships, Angela House residents are given the opportunity and tools to maintain a positive lifestyle.”

Help Needed:

Projects could include helping organize the clothing room or other areas, tutoring women in GED topics or basic computer skills, helping with special events or holiday decorations, helping with administrative tasks, or collecting needed items.

Minimum Age to Volunteer

14 with a teacher/parent/guardian, and 16 and up without an adult

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THE BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS

What Is It?

A comprehensive crisis intervention and prevention center whose services include a 100-bed emergency shelter, transitional housing for women, permanent housing for adults with disabilities and children in their care, and many other programs.

Help Needed:

Projects include collecting needed supplies, organizing the shelter food pantry, arranging activities for children, helping with mailings, and working on annual charity races and other events.

Minimum Age to Volunteer

There is no strict age limit for volunteers. Depending on the project, adults may be asked to accompany student volunteers.

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BRIGHTER BITES

What Is It?

A nonprofit that delivers fresh produce and nutrition education to underserved communities where access to grocery stores stocked with fresh fruits and vegetables is sorely limited.

Help Needed:

Help unload and bag the fresh fruits and vegetables that are sent home with families each week, help distribute food, and other tasks. Please contact Brighter Bites for COVID-related updates.

Minimum Age to Volunteer

16, with a valid ID.  Younger children may assist if a parent or guardian is volunteering as well.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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SLEEP IN HEAVENLY PEACE

What Is It?

A national, volunteer-run organization that provides beds, complete with mattresses and bedding, to needy children. There are three chapters in the Houston area.

Help Needed:

Help build beds on regular Build Days; possibly help deliver beds. Please contact SIHP for COVID-related updates.

Minimum Age to Volunteer

12. Volunteers age 12-17 must be accompanied by a legal guardian. 

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SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT DE PAUL – ARCHDIOCESE OF GALVESTON-HOUSTON

What Is It?

A nonprofit that helps people in need get back on their feet; it provides short-term financial, material, and emotional support and works one-on-one through advocacy, education, and referral to break cycles of poverty, empower people, and promote self-sufficiency.

Help Needed:

Help at resale shops or food pantries, help in the office, or collect needed items.  Please contact the Society for COVID-related updates.

Minimum Age to Volunteer

15, to volunteer independently. Youth between the ages of 8-14 must be accompanied by an adult.  

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