Needs From: Volunteer Houston

Are you passionate about building a healthier, stronger community? The Houston Health Department (HHD) is calling on dedicated individuals like YOU to join our volunteer team!

Whether you're a student, retiree, professional, or simply someone who wants to give back, your time and talents can help improve lives across our city.

Why Volunteer with HHD?

Volunteer Opportunities Include:

Who Can Apply?

Anyone 16 and older with a heart for service! No healthcare background required—just a commitment to helping others.

The Houston Health Department’s Community Outreach & Engagement Team is seeking volunteer interpreters and translators to support our community events and outreach efforts across Houston.

We are looking for individuals who can assist with in-person interpretation and/or document translation in the following languages:

The Houston Public Library needs your help for a large ongoing book processing project at the Central Library located downtown. 

- Affixing RFID tags and barcodes to library materials waiting to be processed

- Affixing mylar covers to processed library materials

There is a lot of material to get through, so this project will be ongoing and will remain posted until we no longer need the assistance. Opportunities Monday through Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm. Saturdays possible with enough interest.

*** If interested, please fill out an application at this link HPL - Volunteer & Donate - Visit Us at Houston Public Library and select the Central library as your location of choice. In the "why are you interested" section of the application, please enter "book processing". Please note that volunteers over the age of 18 will need to be background checked before serving. A link will be sent after completion of the application. ***

Houston Television (HTV) is seeking volunteer translators to assist in reviewing and proofreading our email newsletters before they are sent out to the community. Your skills will help us ensure clear and accurate communication across diverse audiences.

Volunteer Responsibilities:

Who We're Looking For:

If you have additional questions, please contact Mr. Ted Irving at 832-393-1277 or via email at ted.irving@houstontx.gov

As part of Houston Serves, ParkHouston conveniently trains volunteers to protect their communities and help make Houston more accessible by fighting disabled parking space abuse.

The ParkHouston Volunteer ADA Parking Enforcement Program certifies citizens to issue citations to vehicles illegally parked in ADA parking spaces by offering:

-3-hour engaging instructor led training course

-Interactive on-demand quiz

-Background Check

Our volunteers make a significant impact as ambassadors for the program educating the public on the importance of the parking spaces for members of the disabled community to work, live and play.

With the generous help of our volunteers, we have a greater ability to protect the quality of life for those who require ADA parking spaces.

Looking for a meaningful way to give back? Volunteer with BARC and help us provide love and care to animals in need. Whether you're walking dogs, socializing cats, or assisting with adoption events, your time makes a real impact!

✨ Why Volunteer? Be a voice for animals in need. Gain hands-on experience in animal care. Meet like-minded animal lovers

Ready to help? Please clink this link to volunteer:  Volunteer

Volunteer Opportunities:

-Cat adoptions

-Enrichment Building

-Animal Photography -South Adoptions

-Poop Fairy

-South Dog Walking

-North Dog Walking  

-Donation Distribution

-Wild Tunes

-Other Shelter tasks as requested by shelter staff.

The Houston Police Volunteer Initiatives Program (VIP) is for individuals who wish to volunteer their time as members of the Houston Police Department. The greatest asset of any community is its people. A barometer of that value is the willingness of the people to volunteer.

HPD recognizes the importance of volunteers and the valuable contributions they can provide the department. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life in the city of Houston by working as a team. As a Police VIP volunteer, you become a member of our team.

Volunteer Requirements:

Disqualifications: 

You are disqualified from becoming a Police VIP if any of the following apply.  The following are also grounds for dismissal from the program once you are approved.

Criminal Offenses:

Three (3) or more traffic violations during the last eighteen (18) months.

Felony or Class A Misdemeanor conviction (includes Felony or Class A Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication convictions).

Class B Misdemeanor in the past ten (10) years (includes Deferred Adjudication convictions).Family Violence offense conviction.

Indictment for any criminal offense (approval or reinstatement is based on disposition of court case).

Not living in the United States legally.

Under 17 years of age (except YPAC students).

Had / have a pattern of abusing prescription drugs.

Dishonorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces.

Current City Employee (unless participating in Citizen Patrol).

Physical / mental disability that would substantially impair an individual’s ability to perform their duties.

Unlawful sexual conduct prior to and/or during volunteer term.

Inappropriate behavior relating to sexual harassment or racial slurs.

Committed an act or behavior tending to bring reproach and/or discredit to themselves and/or the Houston Police Department.

Used, tried, or sold any dangerous drugs or narcotics including cocaine, crack heroin, LSD.

Houston Police Department Volunteer Programs:

Interested in volunteering at your local Houston Public Library (HPL)?

Houston Public Library is looking for dedicated individuals who want to give back to their community library spaces. Hours available will vary by location. For a list of locations and their operating hours, please visit our website. 

Duties include but are not limited to

Applications are accepted year-round for volunteering with HPL and are open to any individuals over the age of 14. Any applicant 18 or older must complete a background check. 

For more information, and the links to the applications, please visit the HPL Volunteer Page. 

*** Please note: You must submit a formal application through our website to be considered for opportunities with HPL. ***

Grow With Us! Volunteer for Your Community Gardens

Looking for a way to give back, enjoy the outdoors, and connect with your community? Our 12 community gardens need volunteers to help with planting, weeding, watering, harvesting, and general upkeep. Whether you have a green thumb or just want to lend a hand, your time and effort will help create thriving spaces for everyone to enjoy. Gardens are open Monday – Friday and with special requests on weekends for large groups.

The Multi Service Gardens Include the following site locations:

No experience is needed, just a willingness to get your hands dirty and make a difference! Sign up today and be part of something that grows beyond the garden.

Once you register, you will be contacted by Oscar Salazar for next steps. Oscar will provide you with additional information regarding volunteer waiver forms, scheduling volunteer need, and additional details. For any questions, you can reach Oscar at oscar.salazar@houstontx.gov 

Get involved today!

Houston Parks and Recreation needs volunteers to help us keep the city's parks clean and green! No experience needed or age limits on who can help! All volunteers under the age of 16 are more than welcome as long as they attend with an adult! Duties include but are not limited to park de-littering, painting, mulching, and tree plantings! 

Check out the park inventory link below to check out our 200+ locations to see what's closest to you and get started TODAY! We accommodate all volunteer groups Monday- Saturday and hours will vary by location and availability! 

https://www.houstontx.gov/parks/parksites.html

Once you register, you will be contacted by Oneika J. Peters to lock-in your location, waiver forms, and all additional details needed! 

Join the City of Houston's Disaster Relief & Recovery Point of Distribution Volunteer Team and make a difference in times of crisis!

When disaster strikes, our community needs helping hands more than ever. The City of Houston is calling compassionate, committed individuals to join our volunteer team to support disaster recovery efforts across the city as needed. Points of Distribution Sites: Locations TBD 

Volunteer Responsibilities 

Volunteer Requirements

Once you register for the need, we will add you to our Disaster Relief & Recovery Point of Distribution Volunteer contact log and reach back out to you. If you have any questions, please contact Roman Aguilar at roman.aguilar@houstontx.gov

*As a disclaimer this is a sign up to keep track of potential volunteers during disasters, in the case of an emergency you and your family's safety is priority. If you are affected by the disaster, please do not feel as if you're obligated to come to the site just because you've signed up. *

We appreciate all help, safety first! *

Join the City of Houston's Disaster Relief & Recovery Debris Removal Volunteer Team and make a difference in times of crisis! The City of Houston is calling on volunteers to assist with debris removal and clean-up efforts across impacted neighborhoods. 

When disaster strikes, our community needs helping hands more than ever. The City of Houston is calling compassionate, committed individuals to join our volunteer team to support disaster recovery efforts across the city as needed.

Debris removal Locations TBD

We Need Volunteers to Assist With:

Volunteer Requirements:

Once you register for the need, we will add you to our Disaster Relief & Recovery Debris Removal Volunteer contact log and reach back out to you. If you have any questions, please contact Roman Aguilar at roman.aguilar@houstontx.gov

*As a disclaimer this is a sign up to keep track of potential volunteers during disasters, in the case of an emergency you and your family's safety is priority. If you are affected by the disaster, please do not feel as if you're obligated to come to the site just because you've signed up.

* We appreciate all help, safety first! *

Join the City of Houston's Disaster Relief & Recovery Warming/ Cooling Volunteer Team and make a difference in times of crisis!

When disaster strikes, our community needs helping hands more than ever. The City of Houston is calling compassionate, committed individuals to join our volunteer team to support disaster recovery efforts across the city as needed. Warming & Cooling Shelters Location TBD

Volunteer Responsibilities

Volunteer Requirements

Once you register for the need, we will add you to our Disaster Relief & Recovery Warming & Cooling Center contact log and reach back out to you. If you have any questions, please contact Roman Aguilar at roman.aguilar@houstontx.gov

*As a disclaimer this is a sign up to keep track of potential volunteers during disasters, in the case of an emergency you and your family's safety is priority. If you are affected by the disaster, please do not feel as if you're obligated to come to the site just because you've signed up.

* We appreciate all help, safety first! *

Wonderful opportunity to join the Houston Police Department Citizens Offering Police Support (COPS). Volunteers who join the HPD COPS volunteer program play a crucial role in enhancing police services and building stronger connections between officers and civilians, with your dedicated service you'll be helping to create a safer, more unified community. 

Once approved as a HPD COPS volunteer, you will be assigned to a division or notified of upcoming Houston Police Department events. 

Volunteer responsibilities includes:

Volunteer Requirements:

Disqualifications: 

You are disqualified from becoming a Police VIP if any of the following apply.  The following are also grounds for dismissal from the program once you are approved.

Criminal Offenses:

Used, tried, or sold any dangerous drugs or narcotics including cocaine, crack heroin, LSD.

For more information, please go to Volunteer Initiatives Program

The Houston Police Department offers an unpaid internship opportunity where you'll gain practical experience that complements academic coursework, course credit opportunities, a deeper understanding of police operations and community service, provide the department with an opportunity to involve students in various aspects of police work, provide students with an opportunity to integrate theory and practice. 

Once approved to be an HPD intern, you will have an opportunity to intern within a concerned division within the Houston Police Department such as Homicide, Major Offendors, VICE, Family Violence, Narcotics, Office of Community Affairs, and Victim Services. 

Internship opportunities include: 

Eligibility and Application: Students from participating universities and colleges can apply for a one or two-term internship. All interns must successfully complete the Police VIP application process.

Volunteer Requirements:

Disqualifications: 

You are disqualified from becoming a Police VIP if any of the following apply.  The following are also grounds for dismissal from the program once you are approved.

Criminal Offenses:

For more information, please go to Volunteer Initiatives Program or you can contact the Office of Community Affairs at 713.308.3200

Wonderful opportunity to join the Houston Police Department Youth Police Advisory Council (YPAC).

Volunteers who join HPD YPAC volunteer program can choose from 3 different initiatives, (Fall time initiative) Senior Citizen Christmas Social, (Springtime initiative) YPAC Spring event, (All year around) YPACGivesBack. The purpose of these events is not only to give back but to demonstrate to youth that the world extends far beyond individual experiences. These initiatives show YPAC members the value of compassion and generosity, highlighting the importance of supporting those who are less fortunate. The spring event aims to make a significant impact in the community by promoting the importance of reading and education, with the goal of revitalizing interest in literature. Through volunteer events, the goal is to be the change we wish to see by engaging with communities that are often overlooked. Each event serves as an opportunity to spread knowledge and foster love. The core mission of our volunteer initiatives is to strengthen the relationship between law enforcement, youth, and the boarder community.

Volunteer responsibilities include:

Volunteer Requirements:

Disqualifications: 

You are disqualified from becoming a Police VIP if any of the following apply.  The following are also grounds for dismissal from the program once you are approved.

Criminal Offenses:

For more information, please go to Volunteer Initiatives Program