It doesn’t have to be #GivingTuesday to get involved and give back to your community! This roundup of assistance programs, legal aid organizations, and other giving and volunteer opportunities that serve those in need of legal and general assistance in Harris County is a good place to start if you’re looking to give back to your community this holiday season.
Support local assistance programs
Harris County Community Services, in partnership with other local and national organizations, provides diverse programs that address many social needs, including the Neighbor-to-Neighbor Bill Assistance Program, RIDES, Emergency Utility Assistance, Rental Assistance, and COVID-19 Eviction Diversion.
BakerRipley offers several assistance programs for residents of Brazoria, Galveston, and Harris counties, including the Utility Assistance Program.
Gulf Coast Community Services Association, Inc., provides several programs to under-resourced populations in Harris County with the goal of assisting individuals and families in gaining economic security.
Harris County Project Recovery assists Harris County residents in repairing and restoring homes and dwellings damaged by flooding or other natural disasters.
Harris County Disaster Recovery, through Harris County Disaster Assistance Centers (DARC), provides information and much-needed resources after a disaster.
Harris Health System is an integrated network of community health centers, clinics, and more; financial assistance is available to those who qualify.
Volunteer opportunities and non-monetary donations
Search thousands of volunteer opportunities in your community, remote or in-person, using the search tools VolunteerTX or Volunteer Houston.
Drop off your donations of food, pantry, and household essentials at one of Houston’s Community Fridges.
Support the 43rd Annual “Super Feast,” otherwise known as the “Nation’s Largest Feeding and Turkey Distribution,” held by City Wide Club of America on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve every year. Through this food drive, thousands of Houston families receive everything they need to have a happy holiday due to the support of volunteers and donors.
Harris County Public Health is accepting volunteers and meal donations to aid Harris County first responders on the frontlines of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This list of free clothing, furniture, and school supply programs in Harris County provides contact information for many organizations accepting these kinds of donations, while these food banks and pantries accept donations of food products as well as hygiene and household essentials year-round.
Get involved in access to justice
Attorneys can provide pro bono services to Texans in need of legal assistance through Pro Bono Texas.
The State Bar of Texas hosts an Access to Justice Fund, which supports programs that provide free civil legal services to the poor in Texas.
The Texas Access to Justice Foundation funds nonprofit organizations that provide free civil legal aid to low-income Texans.
Legal aid organizations
We have compiled a list of legal aid organizations on our website that provide free and low-cost legal assistance to residents of Harris County and surrounding areas. Most, if not all, of these organizations offer opportunities for lawyers to volunteer pro bono services or accept donations to aid in the organization’s work. Lone Star Legal Aid, Houston Volunteer Lawyers, and Aid to Victims of Domestic Violence (AVDA) are just a few organizations that offer opportunities to raise money or volunteer support.
TexasLawHelp.org maintains a Legal Help Directory of further legal aid organizations across the state for those that may need legal or other aid assistance.