Needs From: Volunteer Houston

Help newly arrived refugees in Houston gain the skills they need to get around the city independently. 

As a Bus Buddy, you’ll ride alongside refugee students as they travel to important destinations like English classes, job training programs, or healthcare appointments. You’ll teach them how to: 

Read and understand METRO bus maps and schedules 

Use the Transit app to plan and track their route 

Purchase and use bus passes with ease 

For many refugees, learning how to use public transportation is a vital step toward rebuilding their lives. Your support can open the door to opportunities, connections, and independence. 

No experience needed—just a friendly attitude and a love for helping others. 
We’ll provide training and support to get you started. 

Help refugees take the first step toward U.S. citizenship by joining our team as a Civics Outreach Volunteer. 

In this role, you’ll make phone calls to clients to share information about our free civics classes, which help prepare adults for the citizenship exam. Your calls help ensure more people can access the resources they need to succeed. 

As a volunteer, you will: 

You don’t need to speak another language or have prior experience—just a welcoming attitude and a desire to support others on their citizenship journey. If you do speak a language like Spanish, Dari, Pashto, Arabic, or Urdu, that’s a wonderful bonus!

Volunteer shifts available Monday through Friday, between 8:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Training and scripts are provided. 

Join our team as an ESL (English as a Second Language) Classroom Assistant and help adult learners build the language skills they need to thrive. 

As a classroom assistant, you’ll work alongside trained instructors to create a welcoming, supportive learning environment. Whether students are just beginning to learn the alphabet or practicing everyday conversations, your presence helps build confidence and connection. 

As a volunteer, you may: 

Lead one-on-one or small group conversation practice 

Help students who missed class catch up on lessons 

Offer translation support for pre-beginner and literacy-level learners (if you speak a shared language) 

Your support will help refugees improve their English, strengthen their communication skills, and work toward life-changing goals—like getting a job, talking to a doctor, or helping their children with school. 

We offer classes Monday through Friday, between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM. 

No teaching experience required—just patience, encouragement, and a passion for helping others. 

Join our team as an ESL (English as a Second Language) Classroom Assistant and help adult learners build the language skills they need to thrive. 

As a classroom assistant, you’ll work alongside trained instructors to create a welcoming, supportive learning environment. Whether students are just beginning to learn the alphabet or practicing everyday conversations, your presence helps build confidence and connection. 

As a volunteer, you may: 

Lead one-on-one or small group conversation practice 

Help students who missed class catch up on lessons 

Offer translation support for pre-beginner and literacy-level learners (if you speak a shared language) 

Your support will help refugees improve their English, strengthen their communication skills, and work toward life-changing goals—like getting a job, talking to a doctor, or helping their children with school. 

We offer classes Monday through Friday, between 8:00 AM and 10:00 PM. 

No teaching experience required—just patience, encouragement, and a passion for helping others. 

The HMC is proud to be home to soccer programs for our refugee youth. The Eagles (boys) and The Golden Eagles (girls).

The teams meet and play on the first and third Saturdays of each month, at the IndoorSoccerBox, located at 1530 W Sam Houston Pkwy N. Beginning in November, we'll be meeting at Burnett Bayland Park in Southwest Houston.

We are looking for someone with soccer experience to serve as a referee and informal coach to help facilitate 1 hour of girls soccer. It is a very casual league, the girls would benefit from the experience of someone 18+.

If you are interested in learning more or joining us - please email Kirsten Dorrier - KDorrier@ecdcus.org.

Your unused bicycles hold the key to freedom for a refugee, veteran or young person who needs a way to work or school.  Donate your unused bike to Freewheels and our volunteers will clean and repair it and provide a way for people to get to work or school.

Our greatest need is for adult mountain bikes and hybrids with 26-inch and 700c wheels. We also need youth bikes with 24-inch wheels.

Our refugee and veteran customers rarely ask for road bikes or beach cruisers. We do not accept used helmets, children’s bikes, scooters or tag-alongs. If it’s not economic for Freewheels to repair a donated used bike, we often reclaim parts and components that can be used on other bikes.

We have partnerships with people who will take bikes we don’t plan to repair and deliver them to organizations in Mexico. When we receive a road bike, we may try to sell it and and use the proceeds to pay for parts, supplies, safety equipment and rent. 

Freewheels accepts bike donations on Friday and Saturday mornings.

Hours: Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. – noon

6020 Jessamine #103, Houston, TX 77081

Phone: (713) 364-3571

Email: info@freewheelshouston.org

Volunteer Opportunity: Mentor & Tutor Refugee Middle School Students (DYAD Program)

Organization: Partnership for the Advancement and Immersion of Refugees (PAIR)
Location: Houston, TX
Time Commitment: Mondays or Wednesdays, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Description:
PAIR is seeking dedicated volunteers for our DYAD program, a newly launched initiative providing one-on-one mentorship and tutoring to refugee and newcomer middle school students. Volunteers will help students develop their English language skills, build confidence, and succeed academically.

We are currently looking for 2-3 volunteers per day at the following locations:

Volunteer Opportunity: Mentor & Tutor Refugee High School Students

Organization: Partnership for the Advancement and Immersion of Refugees (PAIR)
Location: Houston, TX
Time Commitment: Varies by program (see below)

Description:
PAIR is seeking dedicated volunteers to support refugee and newcomer high school students through academic tutoring, mentorship, and social development activities. Volunteers will provide guidance to help students adjust to their new environment, strengthen their English skills, and succeed in school.

We are currently looking for volunteers for the following high-need programs:

Description:
PAIR is seeking dedicated volunteers to support refugee and newcomer high school and middle school students through academic tutoring, mentorship, and social development activities. Volunteers will provide guidance to help students adjust to their new environment, strengthen their English skills, and succeed in school.

We are currently looking for volunteers for the following high-need programs:

Monday (4:15 pm – 6:30 pm): Jane Long Middle School, Welch Middle School, Sharpstown High School

Tuesday/ Thursday (3:30 pm– 5:30pm): Westside High School

Tuesday (4:15 pm – 6:30 pm): Revere Middle School, Etoile Middle School, Wisdom High School

Wednesday (4:15 pm – 6:30 pm): Jane Long Middle School, Welch Middle School, Sharpstown High School, Wisdom High School

Thursday (4:15 pm – 6:30 pm): Wisdom High School, Liberty High School, Welch Middle School, Revere Middle School

Volunteer Requirements:

✔️ 18 years or older
✔️ Driver’s license or access to transportation
✔️ Willing to submit to a background check

By volunteering with PAIR, you’ll play a vital role in providing refugee students with the academic support and mentorship they need to thrive. No prior teaching experience is required—just a commitment to making a difference!

Organization: Partnership for the Advancement and Immersion of Refugees (PAIR)
Location: Houston, TX
Time Commitment: Mondays or Wednesdays, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Description:
PAIR is seeking dedicated volunteers for our DYAD program, a newly launched initiative providing one-on-one mentorship and tutoring to refugee and newcomer middle school students. Volunteers will help students develop their English language skills, build confidence, and succeed academically.

We are currently looking for 2-3 volunteers per day at the following locations:

Organization: Partnership for the Advancement and Immersion of Refugees (PAIR)
Location: Houston, TX
Time Commitment: Varies by program (see below)

Description:
PAIR is seeking dedicated volunteers to support refugee and newcomer high school and middle school students through academic tutoring, mentorship, and social development activities. Volunteers will provide guidance to help students adjust to their new environment, strengthen their English skills, and succeed in school.

We are currently looking for volunteers for the following high-need programs:

Monday (4:15 pm – 6:30 pm): Jane Long Middle School, Welch Middle School, Sharpstown High School

Tuesday/ Thursday (3:30 pm– 5:30pm): Westside High School

Tuesday (4:15 pm – 6:30 pm): Revere Middle School, Etoile Middle School, Wisdom High School

Wednesday (4:15 pm – 6:30 pm): Jane Long Middle School, Welch Middle School, Sharpstown High School, Wisdom High School

Thursday (4:15 pm – 6:30 pm): Wisdom High School, Liberty High School, Welch Middle School, Revere Middle School

✔️ 18 years or older
✔️ Driver’s license or access to transportation
✔️ Willing to submit to a background check

By volunteering with PAIR, you’ll play a vital role in providing refugee students with the academic support and mentorship they need to thrive. No prior teaching experience is required—just a commitment to making a difference!

The bike you are not riding holds the key to freedom for a refugee, veteran or young person who needs a way to work or school. Donate your bike to Freewheels and our volunteers will clean and repair it and provide a way for people to get to work or school.

Our greatest need is for adult mountain bikes and hybrids with 26-inch and 700c wheels. We also need youth bikes with 24-inch wheels and 20-inch wheels.

Read more: One bike donor's story

Freewheels accepts bike donations on Friday and Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon  at our shop at 6020 Jessamine #103, Houston, TX 77081. If you have a question, please email us at info@freewheelshouston.org.

Our refugee and veteran customers rarely ask for road bikes or beach cruisers. We do not accept used helmets, children’s bikes, scooters or tag-alongs. If it’s not economic for Freewheels to repair a donated used bike, we often reclaim parts and components that can be used on other bikes. We have partnerships with people who will take bikes we don’t plan to repair and deliver them to organizations in Mexico.

When we receive a road bike, we may try to sell it and and use the proceeds to pay for parts, supplies, safety equipment and rent. 

Bike shop volunteers at Freewheels Houston prep, repair, build and distribute bicycles that will enable refugees, veterans and young people from low-income families to get to work, school and other destinations.

READ MORE: Freewheels volunteer enjoys seeing tangible results.

We will fit your assignment to your skill level and interest. 

Join the Freewheels team at our well-equipped shop in southwest Houston, learn new things and help make life better for men, women and youth by giving them the means to explore the city.

Before your first shift, please complete the Freewheels Houston volunteer consent. 

Also, please complete the Freewheels Houston volunteer interest form. 

Do you know how to repair a bike? Freewheels Houston volunteers repair bikes that will be given to refugees, veterans emerging from homelessness and young people from low-income families to enable them to get to work or school and explore the city.

Volunteer stories: https://freewheelshouston.org/passion-and-purpose/

Freewheels Houston's shop has the tools and parts you will need. Bike shop mechanics should be familiar with most bike systems.

We use a repair checklist developed with input from a master bike technician.

If you don’t know all the systems, our volunteers enjoy sharing their knowledge and can help get you up to speed. If you are already an expert, you will start getting questions from other volunteers looking to improve their skills.

Before your first shift, please complete the Freewheels Houston volunteer consent. 

Also, please complete the volunteer information and interest survey.

The ECDC-Houston Multicultural Center will be offering English classes to the newest members of our community. We are looking for volunteers to help facilitate beginner English classes.

Summary:

As a volunteer with the R&P program, you will support the case management team in helping newly arrived refugees during their initial resettlement period. Responsibilities include assisting with documentation, organizing case files, helping with core service delivery (such as arranging transportation and setting up housing), and performing light administrative tasks. Volunteers will also assist with preparing materials for cultural orientation sessions and help clients with the completion of paperwork related to public benefits and social services. This is an excellent opportunity for those interested in refugee services and social work.

Example tasks:

- Assist with airport pickups, home visits, and basic welfare checks

- Organize and maintain client case files

- Help with service delivery documentation and case management support

- Perform clerical tasks like data entry and preparing documents

Onboarding:

Interested volunteers can fill out an application at tinyurl.com/ECDCHMCvolunteerapp and will be contacted to complete a 30 minute orientation session. After completing orientation, volunteers will be connected with program managers and supervisors for scheduling.

Schedule:

We accept volunteers Monday - Friday from 8:30AM to 5:00PM. Schedules can be flexible depending on your needs.

Contact:

For interest and inquiries, please email KDorrier@ecdcus.org

The Quality Assurance Support Volunteer will assist in organizing, maintaining, and auditing client case files across multiple programs, including Reception and Placement (R&P), Matching Grant (MG), Preferred Communities (PC) and Social Integration Microenterprises (SIMED). The volunteer will be responsible for ensuring that all documentation is up-to-date, secure, and easily accessible, while also providing language interpretation when needed, supporting data entry, reporting, and system development for efficient file management.

This role involves collaboration with various program teams to ensure adherence to grant requirements, particularly regarding file management and security. The volunteer will also participate in team meetings to contribute to progress reports and help develop strategies for improving quality assurance.

This role offers valuable experience in refugee resettlement, program administration, and compliance management. The volunteer will gain hands-on experience in case management, employment counseling, and the operational side of federally funded refugee programs.

Program Support and Compliance
• File Management: Organize and maintain both physical and electronic client case files. Ensure that documentation for all programs (R&P, MG, PC, etc.) is up to date, easily accessible, and secure.
• Data Entry & Reporting: Perform accurate data entry for case documentation, service provision, and client outcomes when needed. Utilize SharePoint and Refugee Management System to manage data files, generate reports, and track program progress.
• Document Management System Development: Assist in creating and implementing systems to streamline document storage and retrieval processes. Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with organizational standards.
• Clerical Support: Provide additional support by preparing reports, memos, and other correspondence. Collaborate with team members to gather necessary data for document audits and other administrative tasks.

Cross-Program Collaboration
• Collaboration with Other Programs: Work with other teams, such as the Reception and Placement (R&P) Matching Grant (MG), Preferred Communities (PC) and Social Integration (SI) to ensure that programs are following grant requirements with respect to file management and security.
• Departmental Meetings: Participate in team meetings to discuss findings, progress reports, and strategies for improving quality assurance.

Key Qualities and Skills:
• Bilingual: Fluency in a second language (e.g. Arabic, Swahili, Spanish, Farsi, etc.) is highly preferred to effectively communicate with the diverse refugee population.
• Organizational Skills: Strong attention to detail and organizational skills, with the ability to manage extensive documentation and comply with federal program requirements.
• Cultural Sensitivity: A deep understanding of, or willingness to learn about, the unique challenges faced by refugees and how to provide compassionate, culturally responsive support.
• Team-oriented: A collaborative team player who can work effectively with employment counselors, case managers, and other staff members to support program goals.
• Proactive and Reliable: A motivated and reliable individual who can take initiative and manage multiple tasks efficiently.
• Interest in Workforce Development: A passion for helping vulnerable populations achieve economic self-sufficiency through employment.
• Flexibility: Willingness to support various tasks, including administrative duties, with a proactive and positive attitude.

As a PC program volunteer, you will assist in providing intensive case management (ICM) services to vulnerable refugee populations, including those with medical needs, disabilities, or social adjustment issues. You will support case managers in client communication, documentation, and referrals to essential services such as healthcare, employment, and mental health services. Volunteers play an important role in helping vulnerable individuals navigate complex systems and achieve self-sufficiency. This role is ideal for volunteers interested in social work, healthcare navigation, or working with underserved populations.

Possible Tasks:

- Support case managers in conducting client needs assessments

- Assist with documentation and case file organization

- Help track service delivery and follow up on referrals for housing, healthcare, and more

- Provide administrative support for service delivery monitoring

Onboarding:

Interested volunteers can fill out an application at tinyurl.com/ECDCHMCvolunteerapp and will be contacted to complete a 30 minute orientation session. After completing orientation, volunteers will be connected with program managers and supervisors for scheduling.

Schedule:

We accept volunteers Monday - Friday from 8:30AM to 5:00PM. Schedules can be flexible depending on your needs.

Contact:

For interest and inquiries, please email KDorrier@ecdcus.org

Volunteers with the MG program will assist in helping newly arrived refugees achieve economic self-sufficiency through employment services. You will support employment counselors in preparing clients for job applications, interviews, and employment readiness. Additionally, volunteers will help with data entry, tracking employment outcomes, and organizing job-related documentation. This role is perfect for those with an interest in workforce development or helping individuals become self-sufficient through employment.

Example Tasks:

- Assist with client job applications, resume building, and interview preparation

- Support employment counselors in organizing job leads and tracking client outcomes

- Help with administrative tasks such as maintaining client case files and data entry

- Provide logistical support for job readiness workshops

Onboarding:

Interested volunteers can fill out an application at tinyurl.com/ECDCHMCvolunteerapp and will be contacted to complete a 30 minute orientation session. After completing orientation, volunteers will be connected with program managers and supervisors for scheduling.

Schedule:

We accept volunteers Monday - Friday from 8:30AM to 5:00PM. Schedules can be flexible depending on your needs.

Contact:

For interest and inquiries, please email KDorrier@ecdcus.org