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volunteer
Volunteers are at the heart of our work. The time and energy you spend volunteering helps our neighbors land on their feet and stay there.
Every day, all across our area, United Way volunteers are working to lift up our neighbors and our community. We have opportunities for individuals, community groups, and corporate partners to give back and volunteer throughout the year.
Explore the sections below to find the right opportunity for you or your group.
Individual Opportunities
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About Individual Opportunities
United Way of Greater Houston has multiple ways for people to volunteer with us! Check the calendar above for upcoming events. Interested in hearing about upcoming volunteer projects? Sign up here:
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211 Disaster Volunteer
In times of disaster, 211 Texas/United Way HELPLINE needs to expand our capacity to answer calls for help within a matter of hours. We are seeking volunteers to help us!
Volunteers would:
- Be contacted about volunteer needs in the event of a disaster that required additional volunteers to answer calls; disasters could include hurricanes, severe flooding events, winter storms, explosions or air quality issues, pandemic or health emergencies, and others
- Volunteer at United Way of Greater Houston’s main campus (50 Waugh Drive, Houston, TX); all current health and safety related guidelines and practices would be shared at that time
- Commit to volunteering during a disaster, if able
- Receive “just in time” training prior to any volunteer shift
- Answer calls for help from community members
- Utilize 211 database, software, and United Way provided laptop and phone
Interested volunteers must attend an orientation session and will receive the volunteer application link afterward.
Questions? Contact Emily Faron, efaron@unitedwayhouston.org.
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Investment Volunteer
Our Investment process is led by a diverse pool of volunteers from across our community.
Volunteers ensure the sound investment of funds entrusted to us by studying all of the services United Way invests in, evaluating each service, and making investment recommendations, which are approved by United Way’s Board of Trustees. These trained volunteers measure program investments against quality standards, make site visits, study issues and complete a comprehensive review process to help United Way direct investments to the very best services across our community.
In addition to the Investment Process, volunteers can participate in an annual review of the financial health and governance of United Way partner agencies to ensure stewardship of donor dollars. Volunteers for this opportunity must have a financial background.
The next opportunity to volunteer with the United Way of Greater Houston Community Investment process will be in 2024. If you are interested in receiving more information during the recruitment periods for both opportunities, please add your name to our list!
To search for more volunteer opportunities based on your interests, geographic location, or schedule, please visit our partner Volunteer Houston and utilize their volunteer database.
Group or Corporate Opportunities
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About Group and Corporate Opportunities
United Way of Greater Houston works with corporate philanthropic partners that actively run United Way campaigns to plan custom volunteer engagement experiences for their employees.
Annually, 10,000+ volunteers give their time and talent to better our community through United Way Day of Caring events. Volunteers see firsthand how their support of United Way makes a difference as they deliver meals to home-bound seniors; host field days for children; paint and make repairs; mulch flower beds and ready gardens for planting.
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Service-To-Go Full Service Projects
United Way of Greater Houston offers full-service kit-building projects which allow groups to volunteer from the convenience of their organization’s office or gathering space. United Way will provide all the project materials, set up and facilitate the project, and ensure delivery of completed kits to a community partner. There is a fee associated with each kit.
Current kits available:
- Book Buddy Literacy Kit
- Kitchen Essentials Kit
- Youth Dental Hygiene Kit
- Care Cards
Service-to-Go projects are available to all current United Way partners and new partners as availability allows. To receive more information about current pricing and discuss scheduling, contact your United Way representative or email us at DaysofCaring@unitedwayhouston.org.
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Do-It-Yourself Kit Projects and Supply Guides
United Way of Greater Houston has a library of Do-It-Yourself project guides that are available online for free!
For questions about our DIY guides, please contact us at DaysofCaring@unitedwayhouston.org.
DIY Back-to-School Pack (Elementary)
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Community-Based Custom Corporate Projects
United Way of Greater Houston supports community-based projects for our current philanthropic partners. These projects are customized to fit the organization’s schedule, group size, volunteer interests, and are matched to current community needs.
If you are a United Way corporate partner and are interested in participating in the Day of Caring program or other volunteer opportunities, please contact your Donor Relations staff member or the Volunteer Engagement team at DaysofCaring@unitedwayhouston.org.
If your company does not currently have a partnership with United Way of Greater Houston, we invite you to join us for our community events or utilize our Do-It-Yourself guides, listed above. We are always looking to share our work and collaborate on philanthropic investments and volunteer opportunities for community groups and corporate businesses. If you are interested in exploring this type of partnership, please contact L’Tanya Price at lprice@unitedwayhouston.org.