Opportunities From: The City of Plano

The 2026 Point-in-Time (PIT) Count

Sign up here for the City of Plano's Homeless Census (also known as Point-in-Time or PIT count).

Thursday, January 22, 2026

The PIT Count is conducted every year on one day in January across the country. Volunteers 18+ are needed to identify individuals experiencing homelessness, conduct surveys in their assigned area in the City of Plano, and distribute resources and care packages. Volunteers will work in teams and most have a police officer assigned to accompany them.

Signing up:
All participants must create their own account and respond to this opportunity. Staff members will sort participants into their desired groups prior to the event. Each group will have 5 people. If you do not have a group, we will assign you to one. Follow these instructions to ensure you are grouped accordingly: 

How to create your account and sign up for the PIT Count: 

Click the light blue RESPOND button

A pop-up asking you to create an account or login will appear - Click SIGN UP

Complete the "I'm An Adult 18+" application (if you don’t have an account)

Once created, you will be directed back to the PIT Count opportunity

You will be prompted to complete a Volunteer Waiver / Background Check Consent Form

You can now finalize your response. PLEASE TYPE IN DETAILS ABOUT YOUR GROUP (IF APPLICABLE).


HERE ARE EXAMPLES OF WHAT TO TYPE:

Group me with [organization name] = You wish to be grouped with others from that church, civic group or business

Group me with [specific people's names] = You wish to be grouped with those specific individuals (If less than 5 people, you will be paired with others who need a group)

Assign me a group = You do not have a group or others you wish to be grouped with. Staff will group you with other individuals without a group. 

EXAMPLE OF WHAT YOU WILL SEE WHEN YOU FINALIZE YOUR RESPONSE. THE RESPONSE NOTES TEXT BOX IS WHERE YOU WILL TYPE HOW YOU WANT TO BE GROUPED. 

What happens after you sign up:

The City of Plano will contact you with further instructions on completing a background check

Closer to the date, we will finalize groups and send a confirmation via email

On the night of Thursday, January 22nd:
Volunteers are to arrive at Plano City Hall by 6:45PM to check in, meet group members, receive toolkits, and complete a one hour training session. During the training volunteers will learn how to operate the Counting Us App, best practice safety tips, and survey procedures. After the training, you will be given a map with an area of the city to visit and search for people experiencing homelessness.

Event Schedule:

Volunteer groups are given an assigned area

Police officer contact for safety and knowledge of area given 

Start the Census between 8:00pm – 8:30pm

Complete by 12 midnight

Return bags to City staff before 12:15am

^ Each group will have assigned roles.

Roles are as followed:

Driver - groups will ride together and will designate a volunteer driver from the group using their private vehicle

Navigator/Time manager

Point of Contact - asks questions and completes survey, leads conversation

App Manager - listens to conversation and fills in answers on the app

Photographer/Care package handler(s) - gives package and explains contents; capture photos of the team

Requirements:

Each participant must complete an online volunteer profile, waiver and background check consent form

Expect to receive an email from City of Plano Volunteers in Plano automation@instascreen.net to submit a secure background check.

Download the "Counting Us" app on your phone and create a profile prior to the night of census. 

Questions may be directed to Danielle Davis- ddavis@plano.gov

PHOTOGRAPHER FOR PARKS & REC – 18+

Plano’s Adapted Recreation Programs offer recreation activities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages. This year, their annual Holiday Party is in need of a photographer to take pictures of each participant with Santa. Volunteer photographer will need to use their own equipment and release photos freely to the City to share with families. Someone with simple lighting they could set up would be ideal.

A free background check will be required if one is not already on file with the VIP office.

Date: Friday, December 12 Time: 7:30pm-8:30pm Location: Sam Johnson Rec Center [401 W 16th St., Plano, TX 75075]

 

Plano Mayor's Summer Internship Program (PMSIP)
2026 Interest in Volunteering

Thank you for your interest in supporting the PMSIP! This program involves volunteering for one-time events that support intern activities during the internship program season. Events are weekday daytime or Saturdays in most cases.

To hear about 2026 volunteering, please hit the blue RESPOND button and in your "response note" text box include your company name (if representing an organization) and more about you. 

In 2025, PMSIP engaged 89+ volunteers across all events. We're excited to meet you next year!

NOTE: If you're already a PMSIP volunteer, you do not need to sign up for this opportunity, you are on a separate list.

Questions before applying? Reach out to Corina Sadler at CorinaS@plano.gov or call 972-941-7617.

Open to adults 21+ (except for subcommittees) who complete a waiver and free background check.

Neighborhood Services is currently seeking donations of non-perishable food and essential hygiene items. These will directly support unsheltered individuals and families in our community.

Your contribution directly supports vulnerable individuals in our community. Whether you donate a few items or full kits, every donation bring dignity, comfort, and hope to those who need it most. With your help, we can ensure that no one goes without the basic necessities for a safe and healthy life.

Items Needed Food Kit Items: Canned proteins (tuna, chicken, beans)Peanut butter (individual cups or small jars)Granola or protein barsReady-to-eat meals (microwaveable)Instant oatmeal packetsFruit cups or applesauceBottled water or juice boxesPlastic utensils and napkinsHygiene Kit Items:Travel-sized shampoo & conditionerToothbrushes (individually packaged)ToothpasteDeodorantBody wipes or washclothsSocksFeminine hygiene productsHand sanitizerZiplock bags (gallon size) for kit assemblyDrop-Off Instructions

Location: Neighborhood Services, 777 E. 15th St., Plano, TX 75077

Hours: Monday - Friday between 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

To coordinate a large donation, contact Danielle Davis at ddavis@plano.gov. 

Please know, we do NOT provide service hours for school or court-ordered community service in exchange for donations.

NOTE: This opportunity sign-up cannot be used for court-ordered community service.

The Love Where You Live program partners with neighborhoods to enhance their community, connecting City staff and volunteers to help with:

Minor exterior home repair and landscapingCommunity-wide cleanupsEducation workshops based on resident needsNeighborhood block parties and movie nightsMatching available resources and services with the needs of the residents

With the goal of fostering an environment in the community where neighbors are helping neighbors.

SPRING 2025:

Plano Neighborhood Services is currently creating service projects in the Plano Park neighborhood. If you don't have a group to volunteer with you can still get involved as an individual. Individuals interested in volunteering for LWYL can participate in community wide cleanups, or form a group to assist with minor home repairs.

Adult volunteers 18+ complete a digital waiver and free background check if they choose to participate. If you're interested in receiving information about how you can get involved with the Love Where You Live program this year, Respond to this opportunity.

To Respond, you must create a Volunteer Portal account.

To do so: 

Click Sign Up Select the “I’m an Adult Interested in Neighborhood Services” application track Complete the application questions Review and e-sign the Volunteer Waiver

NOTE: This opportunity sign-up cannot be used for court-ordered community service.

The Love Where You Live program partners with neighborhoods to enhance their community, connecting City staff and volunteers to help with:

Minor exterior home repair and landscapingCommunity-wide cleanupsEducation workshops based on resident needsNeighborhood block parties and movie nightsMatching available resources and services with the needs of the residents

With the goal of fostering an environment in the community where neighbors are helping neighbors.

SPRING 2025:

Plano Neighborhood Services is currently seeking volunteer groups to adopt a project in the Plano Park neighborhood and help with a variety of minor home repair tasks that may include: 

House painting Tree/shrub trimming Trash removal Fence repair 

Adult volunteers 18+ complete a digital waiver and free background check if they choose to work on a home project. If you're interested in receiving information about how your group can participate in Love Where You Live this year, Respond to this opportunity.

To Respond, you must create a Volunteer Portal account.

To do so: 

Click Sign Up Select the “I’m an Adult Interested in Neighborhood Services” application track Complete the application questions Review and e-sign the Volunteer Waiver

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) offers specialized training for volunteers who live or work in the City of Plano. CERT trains and coordinates volunteers to prepare and respond to community or regional disasters or emergencies.

CERT’s unique training and response program follows the U.S Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Plano’s Emergency Management department has enhanced and customized this program to fit the needs of Plano’s residents.

Upon conclusion of the program, participants “respond” to a full-scale disaster scenario that allows them to apply the training learned in the lessons of the program. Graduates can remain involved as a CERT volunteer by attending alum nights, through outreach and education, and assisting with some administrative tasks. 

Next CERT in Fall 2025

Fall 2025 dates are October 17-19, 2025. Official signups and the screening process will begin in September. Individuals on this Interest List will be notified first of registration. 

When future CERT dates are available, individuals on this Interest List will be contacted first. 

Questions?

Please email Ashley at ahurlbert@plano.gov. 

Actively recruiting!

 

Are you a member of the Sam Johnson Rec Center (SJC) who wants to get more involved? Give back to your community by volunteering as a Bingo Caller!

Bingo Callers call the numbers for all 12 games and make announcements. They need a clear, confident voice and the ability to command a room. Must commit to at least one 2.5 hour shift per month.  Individuals must be members of SJRC to be eligible to volunteer in this role. Currently recruiting for Bingo Callers available at least 1 Wednesday or Saturday a month.

Bingo Volunteer Shifts:

Wednesdays from 12:45 - 2:30 PM Saturdays from 9:15 - 11:15 AM

Individuals must: 

Be a current Sam Johnson Recreation Center member Want a long-term opportunity Volunteer 1 shift/month Pass a background check

How to apply: Click "Respond" to show you are interested. Please indicate your whether you are interested in Wednesdays and/or Saturdays in your Response Notes.

Note, to respond to an opportunity, you must have a Volunteer Portal account.

If you have an account, click LOGIN to access your existing account and respond to this opportunity. If you do not have an account, click SIGN UP to create an account. You'll want to fill out the application called I'm an Adult 18+.

 

A foster volunteer provides a temporary home for animals to allow them time to grow or address a temporary medical or mild behavioral issue prior to the animal being placed for adoption. The most frequent types of foster placements are weaned kittens under 2.5 pounds and mother cats while pregnant and/or nursing kittens. Occasionally, there are placements for mother dogs while pregnant and/or nursing. 

The devotion, care, and socialization given during this time greatly increases the animal’s chance to be adopted by a loving home. Foster animals will be in your home for a limited time and returned to the shelter for adoption. Adoptions are not done from the home setting. 

Eligibility

One household member must be at least 21 years of age Household must be within 30 miles of 4028 West Plano Parkway If renting, must have signed approval from landlord Agree to an initial in home inspection and random drop-in visits at reasonable hours Resident pets must be (1) spayed/neutered, (2) up-to-date on vaccinations and (3) registered with the City Must understand that there is no guarantee that the animal will be adopted once returned to the shelter
after fostering

Interested? Email morgangg@plano.gov for next steps. 

NOTE: This opportunity cannot be used for court-ordered community service. 

Plano CARES (Code Abatement by Residents Engaged in Service) connects local volunteers to residents in need of assistance with common property code violations. Plano CARES benefits residents who are not able to resolve code issues due to physical or financial hardship. Eligible projects include:

Minimal tree trimming, Trash removal, Damaged fence removal/repair, Accessory building removal/repair and Minor exterior home repair.

Specific details about the projects will not be made available until closer to the date of the project. Volunteers must be 18 or older.

Project work days are scheduled for one Saturday of the month from March through November. Tools and equipment will be available on work days for volunteer use. 

If interested in participating in Plano CARES in 2025, Respond to this opportunity. If you plan to be a Group Leader, please Respond as an individual. Group signups are available once official dates are posted.

To Respond, you must create a Volunteer Portal account. To do so: 

Click Sign Up Select the “I’m an Adult Interested in Neighborhood Services” application track Complete the application questions Review and e-sign the Volunteer Waiver

Are you a member of the Sam Johnson Rec Center (SJC) who wants to get more involved? Give back to your community by volunteering as a Greeter!

Greeters serve as a friendly face to members when they arrive, direct visitors to the specific rooms where programs are being held, and answer general questions about SJC. This position does NOT require standing for long periods of time. Greeters usually sit unless walking someone to a specific room or the main information desk.

Volunteers should be A current Sam Johnson Recreation Center memberFriendly & welcomingLooking for an ongoing volunteer commitmentCurrent openingsTuesdays 12 - 2 pmThursdays 12 - 2 pmHow to apply

You can apply online following the below instructions. If you would like to discuss the position further, feel free to contact Morgan Green-Griffin at mgreengriffin@plano.gov

Click RESPOND.If you already have a volunteer account, click SIGN IN. If not, click SIGN UP and answer the needed questions to create a profile. You'll be directed back to the response page. In the Response Notes please indicate which shift you are available for.  Click SUMBIT OPPORTUNITY RESPONSE

The Gazebo Café is a convenient dining destination for SJC members looking for healthy and affordable meals. The Café is open Monday – Friday except on certain holidays. On average, 100+ meals are served per day. The Café is not a revenue generating program, and this service is possible because dedicated volunteers and staff work alongside each other.

Required skills Comfortable using knives and other kitchen tools Mobility to walk, stand, bend and lift up to 20 lbs Understand and recall written and verbal directions Ability to work and communicate with a diverse, intergenerational team Able to maintain cleanliness and food hygiene standards Experience as a home cook or prior employment/volunteerism in food service (preferred) Individuals must Be 18+ (cannot be currently enrolled in high school) Want a long-term opportunity (1 shift per week) Pass a background check Complete a food handling course (FREE) Next stepsClick "Respond" and indicate which days you'd be available in the Response Notes. If you don't already have a Volunteer Portal account, you should create one. Be on the lookout for an email from Morgan Green-Griffin with next steps.

Note: All Gazebo Café volunteers must be 18+ and available for an ongoing commitment. If you respond to this opportunity and do NOT meet the age guidelines, your response will be removed. Age exceptions CANNOT be made.