Built for a more connected city

Good people. Easier to find.

Austin has no shortage of people doing good. Finding the right way to join them should be simple.

Help Austin brings local volunteer programs into one searchable directory. Explore 150 organizations and programs, discover a cause that matters to you, and sign up directly with the people doing the work.

Start with what matters to you.

A cause is what you care about: parks, animals, mental health, housing, or something else. A work type is what you want to do: teach, pack food, build, drive, design, or help with events. We keep them separate so you can find both.

How the directory is put together

Discover: We identify programs through organization websites, the City of Austin, local directories, and volunteer platforms.
Check the source: We follow the organization’s own volunteer or signup page whenever one is available. Reachability is checked separately from role availability.
Organize: We write short summaries and classify causes and work types. Tags describe program types; an organization may offer different assignments at different times.
Be clear about unknowns: We do not invent dates, open places, minimum ages, shift lengths, or accessibility guarantees. Check the organization’s current information before making plans.
Improve: Every listing has a correction link. Organization updates and claims enter a review queue before publication.

What “source checked” means

A source check confirms that the linked page was reachable on the stated date. It does not mean that an organization has endorsed Help Austin, that every role is open, or that you have a confirmed place. “Organization website” means we could not confirm a dedicated volunteer signup page and link to the organization instead.

Programs with broken or unresolved source links are held for further review rather than given a misleading signup button. Our directory is a growing resource, not a guarantee that it includes every opportunity in Austin.

Location and distance

“Near me” asks your browser for permission before using your location. Distances are straight-line estimates, not driving times. Your coordinates stay in your browser for the current search and are not saved by Help Austin.

Map pins identify published organization addresses where available. They may be offices, shelters, program hubs, or volunteer locations. Always check your specific assignment. Organizations with changing locations stay in the results list.

How results are ordered

The default order offers a range of established local programs. Filters narrow results by your choices. You can sort alphabetically, by a confirmed shift duration, or by distance after sharing your location. No organization pays for its position.

Independent and free to use

Help Austin is an independent community directory. It is not a City of Austin service or a volunteer placement agency. We do not collect volunteer applications, make placement decisions, or charge organizations to appear.