Community Service
Catholic Charities - Refugee Services
Catholic Charities helps people who are new to America get settled in Houston. They teach English classes, help with legal papers, and connect people to jobs so they can build a good life here.
“Most people want to be part of something. They just don't know where to start. That's not a motivation problem. It's a navigation problem.”
— The Change LabRelated
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The Change Lab 2025 Annual Report: Building Civic Infrastructure Through Community Connection
“ THE CHANGE LAB A community of practice 2025 ANNUAL REPORT THE CHANGE LABthechangelab.net · A fiscally sponsored project of Impact Hub Houston · Page 1 of 2 We connect by serving and learning toget...”
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Social Connection in America: 2025 Survey Report on Community Bonds and Well-Being
“ 2025 Survey Report About This Project This survey will catalyze a broad and lasting impact—transforming how we define, prioritize, and support social connection in America. This survey is led by D...”
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From the Library
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Good News Stories About Fighting for Racial JusticeThis website collects positive news stories about racial justice and equality across America. It features inspiring examples like a former prisoner who bought a prison to help other ex-inmates with housing and job training, artists creating meaningful murals from recycled materials, and community groups using music to peacefully protest immigration enforcement. The site covers stories about immigrants creating jobs in their communities, musicians raising money for legal aid, animal shelters helping pets when their owners are detained, and Indigenous athletes overcoming discrimination. It also highlights creative forms of protest like singing resistance movements and fashion statements supporting immigrant rights. Each story shows how people are working to create positive change and fight discrimination. The website aims to inspire readers by showing that progress is happening and offering ways to get involved in racial justice work.
California Wins Tax Credits for All Workers, Including ImmigrantsThe Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF) in California achieved a major victory when Governor Newsom signed a law extending the California Earned Income Tax Credit to ALL workers, including undocumented immigrants. This means 2 million undocumented workers who were left out of federal COVID-19 relief can now get tax credits year after year. California IAF organized for months, bringing together over 1,200 faith and community leaders on Zoom calls with bishops and state legislators. They argued that immigrant workers are essential - they pay billions in taxes, contribute $180 billion to California's economy, and took on dangerous jobs during the pandemic to keep everyone fed and safe. Religious leaders like Fr. Arturo Corral said this was about justice, not charity, since these workers have been 'ruthlessly left out' of federal help despite their vital contributions. The campaign included letter-writing to the governor and legislative leaders during budget negotiations. This victory shows how community organizing can win real policy changes that help working families.
Rice Study Shows Asian Americans Are Houston's Fastest Growing GroupRice University's Kinder Institute is doing a big study about Asian Americans in Houston. This group has grown a lot - from less than 2% of people in 1980 to almost 10% today. That's over 655,000 people! The study looks at seven main Asian groups: Indian, Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, Pakistani, and Vietnamese people. Researchers asked 2,100 people questions about their lives, work, politics, and experiences with unfair treatment. They found that Houston's Asian community is very diverse, mostly born in other countries, and well-educated. About 4 out of 10 Asian residents said they faced discrimination in the past year. Most Asian residents have moderate political views and care most about family, gender, ethnicity, and being American when it comes to their identity. The study covers Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, and Brazoria counties. This research helps us understand how Asian Americans are shaping Houston's future as one of the fastest-growing groups in the region.
Houston Study Shows 750,000 Residents Affected by Immigration RaidsA major research study by Rice University found that more than 750,000 people in the Houston area personally know someone who was detained or deported during 2025 immigration enforcement. The Kinder Institute surveyed over 9,000 adults in Harris, Fort Bend, and Montgomery counties. One in seven residents had a personal connection to someone affected, with higher rates in Hispanic communities (25%), immigrants (21%), and low-income families (24%). The study also found changing opinions: support for mass deportation dropped from 57% to 49% even among conservative residents, while support for citizenship pathways rose from 70% to 75%. Most people (82%) now say the immigration system isn't working well. The researchers noted this could impact Houston's economy, schools, and community planning. This is the first study to track how local families and neighborhoods experience immigration enforcement policies firsthand.
Similar Services (6)
All servicesCatholic Charities - Immigration Legal ServicesAffordable immigration legal help including citizenship applications, family petitions, DACA renewals, and asylum cases.Convivir Wellness Hub ServicesAllies in Caring helps immigrant families with free counseling, job search help, housing, food, and healthcare. They offer services in English and Spanish, both in person and online.Con-Vivir Wellness HubThis wellness center helps people feel less lonely and build good relationships with others. They offer affordable counseling in English, Spanish, and sign language, plus health programs and help finding resources you need.BakerRipley Community CentersBakerRipley has community centers all over Houston that help families get job training, childcare, and immigration services. They also have special programs for seniors and lots of other ways to help people in their neighborhoods.Texas RioGrande Legal Aid - HoustonFree immigration legal services, family law help, and public benefits advocacy for low-income residents.Boat People SOS - HoustonServes Vietnamese and other refugee communities with immigration help, job training, language classes, and social services.
The Journey
28 connected resources across 5 levelsTrail depth
Level 1
Get CuriousRead, watch, explore2 resourcesLevel 2
Find Your PeopleMeet orgs, neighbors, groups15 resourcesYou are hereOrganizationEast Bay Sanctuary CovenantEast Bay Sanctuary Covenant helps immigrants who need legal support to stay safe in America. They provide free lawyers and legal advice to people facing deportation or seeking asylum. This organization works to protect immigrant families and help them understand their rights.
OrganizationSocial Justice CollaborativeThis group helps people get fair treatment under the law, especially people who came from other countries. They connect people with lawyers who can help them with legal problems and make sure everyone gets treated fairly.
OrganizationBorder PerspectiveBorder Perspective helps people who come to America from other countries. They work to make sure refugees and immigrants get fair treatment and have the support they need.
+12 more at this levelLevel 3
Show UpEvents, meetings, volunteeringWe are building resources for this level
Level 4
Go DeeperTraining, sustained involvement8 resourcesLevel 5
Make Your MoveAdvocacy, organizing, creating3 resources