Volunteer Opportunities in Houston TX

Looking to make a meaningful impact in your community? Houston, TX, is brimming with opportunities for those eager to give back, whether through supporting local nonprofits, mentoring youth, or aiding environmental initiatives.

This article highlights some of the most rewarding ways to volunteer in Houston, tailored to various interests and skill sets. Whether you’re passionate about helping others, protecting the planet, or enhancing education, there’s a cause waiting for your time and energy.

Dive in to discover how you can contribute while connecting with like-minded individuals and making a difference in the heart of Texas.

See also: Volunteer Opportunities in Dallas-Fort Worth TX

Kids’ Meals

Kids’ Meals is a Houston-based organization dedicated to delivering free, nutritious meals directly to the homes of preschool-aged children facing food insecurity. Since its inception in 2006, the organization has provided over 6.7 million meals to children in need across 43 Houston-area zip codes.

How to Join:

Prospective volunteers can sign up through the Kids’ Meals website. Each individual must register separately. For group registrations of five or more, it’s recommended to contact the volunteer coordinator via email.

Contact Information:

• Email: volunteer@kidsmealsinc.org
• Phone: 713-695-5437
• Address: 330 Garden Oaks Blvd, Houston, TX 77018 Kids Meals Inc

Things to Note:

Volunteers are required to complete a brief orientation session. Children aged 8 and above are welcome to volunteer, provided they are supervised by an adult at all times. Specific roles may have additional age requirements; for instance, kitchen volunteers must be at least 12 years old.

Volunteering Hours:

Volunteer shifts are available Monday through Friday during the following times:

• Morning Shift: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Afternoon Shift: 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

These opportunities allow community members to actively participate in combating childhood hunger by preparing and delivering meals to those in need.

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC)

Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) Greater Houston is dedicated to supporting families with seriously ill children by offering a comforting “home away from home” near medical facilities. This support allows families to stay close to their hospitalized children during challenging times.

How to Join:

Prospective volunteers can submit an application through the RMHC Greater Houston website. Individual volunteers are essential to the daily operations across various facilities, including the Holcombe House and in-hospital programs. Volunteer shifts are available in three-hour blocks, seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Contact Information:

• Email: info@rmhhouston.org
• Phone: 713-795-3500
• Address: 1907 Holcombe Blvd., Houston, TX 77030 Ronald McDonald House Houston

Things to Note:

Certain volunteer roles may require specific training to ensure the safety and comfort of the families served. Additionally, some positions may have age requirements or other prerequisites. It’s advisable to review the volunteer guidelines provided during the application process.

Volunteering Hours:

RMHC Greater Houston offers flexible volunteer shifts, including weekend options, to accommodate various schedules. This flexibility enables volunteers to contribute meaningfully while balancing personal commitments.

By volunteering with RMHC Greater Houston, individuals can make a significant impact on families navigating their children’s medical journeys, providing them with comfort and support during critical times.

Second Servings Houston

Second Servings of Houston is the city’s only prepared and perishable food rescue organization, dedicated to combating food waste by redirecting surplus food to those in need. Since 2015, they have been collecting unserved and unsold food from various donors and delivering it to local nonprofits, including shelters, soup kitchens, and low-income housing facilities.

How to Join:

Individuals interested in volunteering can complete a one-time application through Second Servings’ online portal. After applying, volunteers can sign up for available shifts via the monthly calendar.

Contact Information:

• Email: info@secondservingshouston.org
• Phone: (713) 824-4763
• Address: 8825 Knight Rd., Houston, TX 77054 Second Servings Houston

Things to Note:

• Driving Requirement: Volunteers are not required to drive; instead, they assist experienced drivers during food rescue missions.
• Physical Requirements: Volunteers should be capable of lifting up to 30-40 lbs.
• Age Restrictions: Volunteers must be at least 16 years old to ride in the organization’s vans.

Volunteering Hours:

Volunteer shifts are available Monday through Friday. Volunteers meet at the office at 8:50 a.m. and generally finish between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Some days may be shorter or longer, depending on daily activities.

By participating, volunteers play a crucial role in reducing food waste and providing nutritious meals to underserved communities in Houston.

The Houston Food Bank

The Houston Food Bank is dedicated to alleviating hunger by distributing food across the Greater Houston area. Volunteers play a crucial role in this mission, engaging in activities such as inspecting and sorting food, repacking dry goods into family-sized portions, and assembling home delivery kits.

How to Join:

Prospective volunteers are encouraged to register online. The process involves creating a volunteer profile and selecting available shifts that fit your schedule. Detailed instructions for registration can be found on the Houston Food Bank’s website.

Contact Information:

• Hotline: 832-369-9390
• Office Address: 535 Portwall St., Houston, TX 77029 Houston Food Bank

Things to Note:

• Attire: Volunteers are required to wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. It’s advisable to dress in layers to accommodate varying temperatures within the facility.
• Age Requirements: Individuals as young as six years old can volunteer. However, volunteers under 16 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

Volunteering Hours:

The Houston Food Bank offers a variety of shifts to accommodate different schedules:

• Morning Shift: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
• Afternoon Shift: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
• Evening Shift: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Sunday Shift: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

By volunteering with the Houston Food Bank, individuals contribute significantly to the fight against hunger, ensuring that nutritious food reaches those who need it most.

Houston Pets Alive

Houston Pets Alive! is a no-kill rescue organization committed to saving animals at risk of euthanasia in the Greater Houston area. Volunteers are essential to their mission, engaging in various roles such as animal care, assisting at adoption events, and performing administrative tasks.

How to Join:

Prospective volunteers can begin by completing the volunteer application available on the Houston Pets Alive! website. After submitting the application, approved volunteers are required to make a $10 non-refundable screening and T-shirt donation. Once this donation is processed, volunteers will receive access to orientation sessions, which are necessary before participating in volunteer activities.

Contact Information:

• Email: volunteer@houstonpetsalive.org
• Phone: 713-208-0687
• Address: 2800 Antoine Drive, Suite 2854, Houston, TX 77092 Houston Pets Alive

Things to Note:

• Animal Handling: Volunteers should be comfortable handling animals, as roles may involve direct interaction with dogs and cats.
• Attire: It’s recommended to wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes during volunteer shifts.
• Age Requirements: Volunteers must be at least 18 years old to complete the application. Those aged 14-17 may volunteer in certain areas, such as cat care, if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. However, for liability reasons, volunteers under 18 are not permitted to work in the dog area.

Volunteering Hours:

Houston Pets Alive! offers flexible volunteer shifts to accommodate various schedules:

• Dog Care at Antoine Location: Shifts are available daily from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.
• Cat Care at Pet Stores: Shifts are available daily from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at locations such as PetSmart Dunvale, PetSmart Copperfield, and PetSmart Bunker Hill.

By volunteering with Houston Pets Alive!, individuals contribute significantly to the welfare of at-risk animals, helping them find loving homes and reducing euthanasia rates in the community.

BARC Animal Shelter and Adoptions

BARC Animal Shelter and Adoptions serves as the City of Houston’s municipal animal shelter, focusing on the care and rehoming of homeless pets. Volunteers are integral to their operations, engaging in activities such as walking dogs, cleaning kennels, and assisting with adoptions.

How to Join:

Prospective volunteers must attend an orientation and training session to prepare for their specific roles. The volunteer program is structured into four tiers—Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and BARC Buddies—based on experience and training. This system allows volunteers to progress and take on more responsibilities as they gain experience.

Contact Information:

• Email: BARCvolunteers@houstontx.gov
• Phone: 311 or (713) 229-7300
• Address: 3300 Carr Street, Houston, TX 77026 Houston Bar Association Foundation

Things to Note:

• Training: All volunteers are required to attend orientation and training sessions to ensure safety and preparedness for their roles.
• Age Requirements: Volunteers must be at least 13 years old. Those aged 13-15 must volunteer with a parent or guardian, while 16-17-year-olds can volunteer independently after attending orientation with a parent or guardian. Only adults are permitted to handle animals directly.
• Attire: Volunteers should wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for working with animals.

Volunteering Hours:

BARC offers daily volunteer shifts, including evenings, to accommodate various schedules. Specific shift times can be selected during the registration process.

By volunteering with BARC, individuals contribute significantly to the well-being of homeless pets in Houston, aiding in their care and facilitating their journey to adoption.

The Montrose Center

The Montrose Center, located in Houston, is dedicated to empowering the LGBTQ+ community through comprehensive support services, including counseling, support groups, and community programs. Volunteers play a vital role in facilitating these services, contributing to various initiatives such as support group facilitation, event assistance, and administrative tasks.

How to Join:

Individuals interested in volunteering can apply through the Montrose Center’s official website. The application process involves creating an account on their volunteer portal, Galaxy Digital, and completing the necessary forms. Once the application is submitted, the volunteer department will provide further instructions regarding orientation and available opportunities.

Contact Information:

• Email: volunteer@montrosecenter.org
• Phone: 713-529-0037
• Address: 401 Branard Street, Houston, TX 77006 Montrose Center

Things to Note:

• Confidentiality: Volunteers may be required to sign confidentiality agreements to protect the privacy of clients and sensitive information.
• Training: Mandatory training sessions are conducted to ensure volunteers are well-prepared for their roles and understand the Center’s policies and procedures.
• Age Requirements: Volunteers must be at least 18 years old to participate in most programs.

Volunteering Hours:

The Montrose Center offers flexible volunteering hours, including evening support group sessions, to accommodate various schedules. Specific shift times can be selected during the registration process.

By volunteering with the Montrose Center, individuals contribute to a supportive environment that fosters the well-being and empowerment of Houston’s LGBTQ+ community.

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo is a renowned annual event that promotes agriculture and education through various activities and programs. Volunteers are essential to its success, contributing to numerous committees and roles that support the event’s operations and mission.

How to Join:

Volunteer recruitment typically begins annually, with opportunities to join one of the more than 100 committees that align with various interests and skills. Prospective volunteers must be at least 21 years old. To explore available positions and apply, visit the official volunteer page. Attending committee showcases or informational sessions can also provide insights into the roles and responsibilities of different committees.

Contact Information:

• Email: Questions@rodeohouston.com
• Phone: 832-667-1000
• Address: NRG Center, 3 NRG Park, Houston, TX 77054

Things to Note:

• Training: Mandatory training is provided to ensure volunteers are well-prepared for their specific roles and to maintain safety and efficiency during events.
• Committees: With over 100 committees, volunteers can choose roles that match their interests, such as Agriculture Education, Communications & Special Services, Gatekeepers, and Wine Garden, among others. Each committee has specific duties and may require different levels of commitment.
• Age Requirement: Volunteers must be at least 21 years old to participate.

Volunteering Hours:

Volunteer commitments are primarily seasonal, aligning with the event periods of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Shifts vary depending on the committee and specific events, with opportunities available during both daytime and evening hours.

Some committees may require year-round involvement, while others focus on the duration of the Rodeo events.

By volunteering with the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, individuals contribute to a significant community event that supports agriculture, education, and Western heritage, all while engaging in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

Star of Hope Mission

Star of Hope Mission is a Christ-centered community dedicated to meeting the needs of homeless men, women, and children in Houston. They encourage positive life changes through programs focusing on spiritual growth, education, employment, life management, and recovery from substance abuse.

How to Join:

Individuals and groups interested in volunteering can register online through Star of Hope’s volunteer portal. The process involves creating an account, completing the necessary forms, and signing up for available opportunities. Detailed instructions and the registration link are available on their volunteer page.

Contact Information:

• Phone: 713-748-0700
• Address: 2575 Reed Rd., Houston, TX 77051
• Online Contact Form: Accessible here

Things to Note:

• Background Checks: Certain volunteer roles, especially those involving direct interaction with clients, may require background checks to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.
• Age Requirements: Volunteers must be in high school or older for most activities. Children younger than high-school-age are not allowed to volunteer or accompany volunteers, except for specific programs like “Snacks & Goodnight,” designed for families with younger children. More details can be found in the volunteer guidelines.
• Dress Code: Appropriate attire is required, including closed-toe shoes and modest clothing. Specific guidelines are provided during the orientation process.

Volunteering Hours:

Volunteer opportunities are available during weekday mornings and evenings, with specific schedules depending on the role and current needs. Volunteers can select shifts that align with their availability through the online portal.

By volunteering with Star of Hope Mission, individuals contribute to meaningful programs that assist Houston’s homeless population in achieving stability and self-sufficiency.

Buffalo Bayou Partnership

Buffalo Bayou Partnership is a Houston-based nonprofit organization dedicated to revitalizing and transforming Buffalo Bayou, the city’s most significant natural resource. Their efforts focus on creating and maintaining parks, trails, and unique spaces that connect the community to the bayou’s rich ecological and cultural heritage.

How to Join:

Individuals and groups interested in volunteering can register for cleanup events and other activities through the Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s official website. The organization offers various opportunities, including weekday and select Saturday workdays. To view upcoming events and sign up, visit their volunteer page.

Contact Information:

• Email: volunteer@buffalobayou.org
• Phone: 713-752-0314 ext. 206
• Address: 1019 Commerce Street, Suite 200, Houston, TX 77002

Things to Note:

• Attire: Volunteers are advised to wear weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes to ensure comfort and safety during outdoor activities.
• Age Requirements: Volunteers must be at least 9 years old. Those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult chaperone, with a recommended ratio of one chaperone per ten children.
• Waivers: All participants are required to sign a volunteer waiver prior to engaging in activities.

Volunteering Hours:

Volunteer events are typically scheduled on weekday mornings from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., with select opportunities on Saturdays. These sessions involve tasks such as weeding, spreading mulch, and general park maintenance. For specific dates and times, refer to the volunteer calendar.

By participating in Buffalo Bayou Partnership’s volunteer programs, individuals contribute to the preservation and enhancement of Houston’s waterways and green spaces, fostering a healthier and more vibrant community environment.

See also: Christmas Village at Bayou Bend

Final Thoughts on Volunteer Opportunities in Houston TX

Volunteering in Houston offers a unique chance to give back, connect with others, and leave a lasting impact on the community. From supporting nonprofit organizations to addressing environmental needs, there’s no shortage of ways to make a difference.

By dedicating your time and skills, you’re not only helping others but also enriching your own life through meaningful experiences. Now is the perfect time to explore these opportunities and take the first step toward creating positive change in Houston.

No matter your passion or availability, there’s a cause that needs your support—because every effort counts.