Volunteer Houston is the Points of Light affiliate in Houston. Points of Light is a global nonprofit organization that inspires, equips and mobilizes millions of people to take action that changes the world. We envision a world in which every individual discovers the power to make a difference, creating healthy communities in vibrant, participatory societies. Through 145 affiliates across 39 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 3.7 million volunteers in 16.7 million hours of service each year. We bring the power of people to bear where it’s needed most. To learn more about Points of Light visit pointsoflight.org. 

In 1974, a group of Houstonians, led by Joan Waite Hanlon, who were very involved in the philanthropic community realized that the growing number of nonprofit organizations needed a better way to engage citizens as volunteers in providing service to the community. After a national search for a solution, they organized a local Volunteer Action Center to serve as a clearinghouse for volunteers. Houston’s Volunteer Action Center became a part of a large national network of organizations with the same mission. There are nearly 400 Volunteer Centers in the United States, Canada, and other countries. Throughout the years, additional programs and initiatives have been developed and the name and logo of the organization has changed. Today, we pride ourselves on being on the cutting edge supporting the trends of the volunteering public.

Volunteer Houston joined the Interfaith Ministries for Greater Houston family in October 2017. Our mission did not change during that merger. We are now a proud program of the Vic Samuels Center for Volunteerism & Civic Service at Interfaith Ministries, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization that envisions a community working and acting together in response to the needs of a Greater Houston to create a more respectful, connected, and caring society.