Opportunities From: The City of Plano

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

NOTE: This opportunity sign-up 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 the 2nd 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. You can sign up as an Individual or as a Group. 

How to create your account and sign up as an individual: 

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 Once created, you will be directed back to the opportunity You will be prompted to complete a Volunteer Waiver and Background Check Consent Form You can now finalize your response and there will be a spot to put a note if you’d like to share some information with staff about your interest.

How to create your account and sign up as A GROUP LEADER: 

Click the light blue RESPOND AS GROUP 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 Once created, you will be directed back to the opportunity click “RESPOND AS GROUP” if needed You will be prompted enter a Group Name Click “Add Me” button to add yourself to your team as leader You can then select the # of “Reserve Additional Slots” you’d like to save for your group. You will need to email Moniah (email below) the names and email addresses of everyone in your group.

In the Response Notes section, please let us know about your skill sets - fence repair, use of power tools, tree trimming, etc.

If you have any questions, please contact Moniah Dailey at 972-208-8124 or at mdailey@plano.gov

Street Outreach Volunteer

This position will work alongside the Homeless Services Coordinator engaging in Community Street Outreach. The team ensures that unsheltered individual’s basic needs are met while supporting them along pathways toward housing stability and supportive services as needed. The team is responsible for engaging with identified individuals, receiving referrals on locations and from Community Partners.

This volunteer role is great experience for a college student studying towards their social work degree and should qualify as a for-credit unpaid internship placement site. This position may also be meaningful to a retiree, or working adult who has a flexible schedule or someone in a career transition who has an interest in serving the community. Volunteers will always work alongside a paid staff member while providing outreach support.

Overview

Street outreach duties encompass outreach attempts, contact, engagement, navigation and warm-handoff. Key responsibilities fall into three areas (1) Outreach & Engagement, (2) Coordination with Community Stakeholders, and (3) Administrative Duties. 

Street Outreach & EngagementConducts street outreach to homeless populations, as well as provides assistance at designated City facilities to those in need. Outreach is conducted via City Outreach Vehicle and through street patrolsFocuses outreach on the vulnerable individuals including the chronically homeless and other vulnerable populations (veterans, families with children, women). Conducts triage to determine and assist with immediate client needs including food, water, and emergency shelter. Provides navigation services to clients by assisting clients to obtain documents and services needed to obtain housing. This may include: referral assistance with obtaining identification documents.Conducts a warm-hand off of client to housing provider upon referral to facilitate transfer of services.
Coordination with Community Stakeholders
Attends Collin County Homeless Coalition and Continuum of Care assembly meetings. Maintains close communication with other outreach team members to provide “team approach” to ensure that all street homeless are being assisted. Coordinates the creation and distribution of care packages to unsheltered homeless. Assists with the preparation and administration of the Annual Homeless Census, as well as the implementation of the City’s Homeless Strategy.Administrative DutiesCompletes any needed paperwork or documentation related to their outreach & coordination tasksUses Microsoft Office Suites to find, update and/or assist in creation of relevant resourcesCommunicates effectively with other volunteers and staffQualifications Knowledge, skills, and abilities consistent with a degree in in human services related field, or related experience. Demonstrated knowledge and ability to establish & maintain effective working relationships with area services, community partners, and resources. Knowledge of Homeless programs and services would be beneficial. Commitment to operating within a trauma-informed workplace and community that demonstrates a balance of kindness, competence and care toward self, colleagues, and populations served. Ability to assess and respond responsibly in a wide variety of situations and crises. Minimum direct care experience with persons with mental illness, homelessness, or disabilities. Proficiency in Windows based computer environment and Microsoft Office Suite. Good written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, organizational and time management skills. Ability to work independently, prioritize multiple tasks, and be flexible in job duties & schedule. Possess a valid driver's license and reliable transportation to get to and from work shifts and have the ability to tolerate extreme weather conditions. Must complete a free driver license check, criminal history background check, periodic CJIS background check (for positions requiring access into Police buildings only) and social security number verification check.

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