Volunteer Opportunities

Individuals, businesses, faith communities, schools, and other groups can support HRI clients by hosting a donation drive. Depending on current needs, drives may collect items such as diapers and wipes, toiletries and hygiene products, or culturally appropriate food staples.

Because client needs and our available supplies change throughout the year, we ask interested groups to connect with us before organizing a drive. We can share our current needs and help you plan a collection that will have the greatest impact.

To host a donation drive, contact development@hrionline.org.

In-kind donations help HRI provide practical resources that support clients and their households. Our needs vary throughout the year and may include food staples, diapers and wipes, hygiene products, school supplies, and other essential items.

To help us make the best use of donated goods, please contact us before purchasing or dropping off items. We can share our current needs and confirm whether we are able to accept your donation.

For questions about in-kind donations, contact development@hrionline.org.

HRI welcomes individuals interested in contributing their time and skills to support our work. Opportunities vary based on current organizational and client needs and may include:

Internships, Externships & Fellowships – HRI offers opportunities for students seeking meaningful, hands-on experience in a nonprofit setting. We welcome law students as well as students studying public administration, marketing and communications, international relations, and other related fields. Opportunities vary based on organizational needs, capacity, and a student’s area of study.

Food Distribution Volunteers – Help with HRI’s monthly food distribution on the third Wednesday of each month. Volunteers may sign up for shifts of at least one hour between 12:00 and 3:00 p.m. Volunteers from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. help with setup and sorting, while volunteers from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. assist with food distribution.

Administrative Volunteers – Assist with office projects, organization, data entry, and other administrative needs. Administrative volunteers must commit to a minimum of 10 weeks and at least 5 hours per week.

Language Volunteers – Provide Spanish or French interpretation or translation assistance as needed.

To help protect the privacy and safety of the people we serve, volunteer opportunities other than food distribution require a vetting process and background check.

Interested in getting involved? Contact volunteer@hrionline.org to learn about current opportunities.

Pro bono attorneys are essential to HRI’s ability to provide high-quality legal representation to immigrants seeking humanitarian protections. By volunteering their legal skills, attorneys help expand HRI’s capacity to represent people who might otherwise have difficulty accessing legal counsel.

In Fiscal Year 2025, volunteer attorneys have contributed more than $1.4 million in pro bono legal services to HRI clients.

You do not need to be an immigration law expert to volunteer. HRI provides training, resources, and ongoing mentorship from experienced legal staff. Our team is available to answer questions, review documents, provide guidance, and support volunteers throughout the life of a case.

Pro Bono Opportunities

HRI offers both full case representation and limited representation opportunities, allowing attorneys to engage based on their interests, experience, and availability. Opportunities vary based on HRI’s current caseload and client needs and may include:

Non-Litigation Opportunities

• Affirmative asylum cases

• U visa cases for eligible survivors of qualifying crimes

• VAWA cases for eligible survivors of domestic or family violence

• Select immigration matters involving children

Litigation Opportunities

• Defensive asylum cases before the immigration court

• Select Texas family court matters involving children, including Suits Affecting the Parent Child Relationship (SAPCRs), which typically require only one court appearance

Attorneys who are unable to commit to full case representation may also be able to assist with limited scope legal needs. These opportunities provide additional ways to contribute legal expertise while making a more defined time commitment.

Whether you are interested in full case representation, a limited representation opportunity, or courtroom experience, HRI works to connect volunteers with opportunities that align with their interests and availability.

Attorneys, law firms, and corporate legal departments interested in providing pro bono representation are encouraged to connect with us to learn about current opportunities.

Interested in volunteering your legal expertise? Contact volunteer@hrionline.org to learn about current pro bono opportunities.