How it works
One portal, hundreds of agencies, and a disaster plan
Volunteer matching
Search by cause, date, distance and skill across hundreds of vetted Houston-area nonprofits. Agencies post the need, you pick the shift.
Corporate volunteer projects
We plan, staff and run service days for companies, from a 20-person packing shift to a multi-site day of service. It is a managed project, not a referral.
Volunteer Houston for CompaniesDisaster response
Under contract with Harris County, Volunteer Houston operates the Volunteer Reception Center that routes spontaneous volunteers after a storm.
Disaster ResponseAbout the program
Where Houston goes to find a way to help
Volunteer Houston is part of the Vic Samuels Center for Volunteerism & Civic Service at IM Houston. It connects people with community needs across the region and serves as the hub that deploys volunteers when a disaster hits. It is a resource for anyone in this city ready to make a lasting contribution through organized service.
Our aim is to inspire volunteers of every generation and to develop the next set of servant leaders through active service and civic engagement. That is a long game. It looks like a corporate team on their first project, a retiree who has delivered the same route for a decade, and a student who turns one afternoon into a career.
When the water rises
Volunteer Houston holds the city and county contract for volunteer reception during a disaster. In a flood or a freeze, this is the system that takes thousands of people who want to help and gets them somewhere useful instead of somewhere in the way.
Registering before an emergency is what makes that possible.
Proud local Points of Light affiliate
As the local Points of Light affiliate, Volunteer Houston connects the Houston region to the world’s largest organization dedicated to increasing volunteer service. Houston volunteers are recognized nationally through the Daily Point of Light Award, including two of our own Meals on Wheels drivers.
The portal
Every opening, in one place
Volunteer Houston runs a live marketplace of opportunities posted by hundreds of vetted Houston-area nonprofits. Create a free profile, search by cause, date, distance or skill, and sign up for the shift you want. Agencies use the same portal to post needs and track hours.
Opens volunteerhouston.org, the Volunteer Houston site.
Volunteering with a group?
Corporate, school, faith-based and community groups
Groups can serve with Refugee Services and Meals on Wheels or help at special events. Find the right contact and plan your date.
For companies
Fully managed. Completely customized.
We provide companies based in Greater Houston, and visiting conferences of all sizes, with completely customized and fully managed service projects that align with their Corporate Social Responsibility goals.
We have over 50 years of experience serving the needs of volunteers, companies and nonprofit organizations. Through our Corporate Volunteer Program services, we support the missions of hundreds of local nonprofits by connecting corporate clients to their needs.
Our dedicated staff creates interactive and truly meaningful service projects and reflection experiences that lead to positive change, not only among your team but also in our community, where it is needed most.
How a project comes together
- Goals. We learn what your company wants to accomplish through service.
- Group size. We confirm participant numbers and any team needs.
- Scope. We align budget, timeline, location and expectations.
- Project match. We identify a service project that fits your team and goals.
Ways to partner
- Group and team service days
- Skills-based volunteering
- Donation drives with volunteer activation
- Employee engagement campaigns
What we handle
- Project planning and nonprofit coordination
- Volunteer registration and communications
- Day-of execution, as available
- Post-project follow-up
What you get back
- Participation and hours
- Nonprofit partner confirmation
- A story-ready recap
- Reusable reporting
Closer to home
Volunteer with one of our own programs
The portal matches you to hundreds of Houston nonprofits. These four are ours, and they take volunteers directly.
Six roles, one family at a time
Family mentor, employment mentor, case management support, medical case management, translator, and special events. Most ask one to three hours a week. Arabic and Swahili translators are the biggest gap. Volunteers must be 21 or older, and training comes first.
See the six rolesDeliver a route
A route takes about two hours and covers six to twelve seniors. Many volunteers deliver on a lunch hour. Routes run across Harris and Galveston counties.
What Delivering InvolvesSuper Saturday
About once a month, 9 a.m. to noon, packing pet food and senior breakfast bags. One of the few shifts open to families and younger volunteers.
Super SaturdayThree ways in
Volunteer, post a need or sponsor the platform
For nonprofits
Post volunteer opportunities free and reach a regional audience already searching for a way to help. Agencies register directly on the Volunteer Houston portal.
Register Your AgencyVolunteer
Individuals, families and groups can search live opportunities at volunteerhouston.org, or start with a Meals on Wheels route, a Super Saturday shift or a Refugee Services placement.
See Open ShiftsGive
Volunteer Houston is not a fee-generating program for most of what it does. Sponsorship keeps the portal free for the agencies that depend on it.
Donate