Community Service
BakerRipley - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Free tax preparation for families earning under $60,000 a year. Trained volunteers help you file your taxes and claim credits you deserve.
Details
EligibilityHouseholds earning under $60,000/year
FeesFree
LanguagesEnglish, Spanish
HoursJan-Apr; hours vary by site
“Perhaps all the dragons in our lives are princesses who are only waiting to see us act, just once, with beauty and courage. Perhaps everything that frightens us is, in its deepest essence, something helpless that wants our love. ”
— Rainer Maria RilkeRelated
Go Deeper
Learn more about this
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...”
p. 1Read more →
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...”
p. 1Read more →
From the Library
Browse all
How to Give Different Types of Gifts to Help Houston CharitiesThe Greater Houston Community Foundation helps people donate money and other valuable things to help their community. You can give cash, stocks, real estate, business shares, art, jewelry, life insurance, or retirement money. Each type of gift has different tax benefits. Some gifts help right away, while others help after you pass away. The Foundation works with donors to pick the best way to give based on their money situation and what causes they care about. They accept many different types of donations so people can give in the way that works best for them. You need to follow IRS rules to get tax deductions for charitable gifts. The Foundation has advisors who help people understand their options and make the biggest impact with their giving.
Student Debt Crisis Affects Young Adults More Than EverYoung adults today face much more student debt than their parents did. In 1989, only 15% of young households had student debt. By 2019, that number jumped to 41%. The amount of debt is also much higher - from $13,074 in 1989 to $47,608 in 2019, which is nearly four times more money. More young people are going to college now, which is good. But with debt levels rising and wages staying mostly the same, many young adults worry they won't do as well financially as their parents. This website explains how student debt affects the whole economy and encourages young people to get involved in civic activities to help solve this problem. The Up to Us organization wants students to learn about fiscal policy and take action through pledges, competitions, and leadership programs.
Understanding the US National Debt: What It Means for YouThe US national debt is the total amount of money the federal government owes, which is now over $31.5 trillion. This comprehensive guide explains what the national debt is, how it got so big, and what it means for everyday Americans. The debt has grown because the government spends more money than it takes in through taxes, especially during major events like wars and the COVID-19 pandemic. The guide breaks down how the debt is measured, explains the difference between debt and deficit, and discusses the debt ceiling. It also covers the consequences of high debt, including how it can affect interest rates, government spending on programs, and economic growth. The article explains that high debt can lead to higher costs for things like home loans and may reduce government funding for important services. It provides historical context showing how the debt has grown over time and discusses potential solutions like raising taxes or cutting spending. The guide is designed to help people understand this complex topic and get involved in civic discussions about fiscal policy.
How National Debt Affects Your Money and Job FutureThe Up to Us organization teaches young people about how the national debt affects their economic future. The national debt is the money our government owes, and it could make families earn $16,000 less by 2047. Young adults today face record high student debt, with 42% of people aged 25-34 owing money for college. This makes it harder to buy homes and build wealth. The organization offers programs to help students understand these money issues and take action. They teach civic engagement skills so young people can hold government leaders accountable for fiscal policy decisions. Students can take a pledge, join campus competitions, attend leadership bootcamps, and learn how to influence policy. The goal is to empower the next generation to advocate for better financial policies that will protect their economic opportunities and create a brighter financial future.
Similar Services (6)
All servicesBakerRipley 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.BakerRipley - Adult EducationOffers GED classes, English language learning (ESL), computer skills training, and financial literacy for adults looking to build their skills.BakerRipley - Financial CoachingFree one-on-one coaching to help families create budgets, reduce debt, build savings, and improve credit scores.Professional Advisor Partnership ServicesThis program teaches financial advisors how to help their clients donate money to good causes. Advisors learn about different ways to give that can also save money on taxes. The foundation handles all the paperwork so advisors can focus on helping their clients make a positive difference.CAP Study Group for Financial AdvisorsThis is a free 7-month group where financial advisors, lawyers, and nonprofit workers learn together about helping people give money to good causes. The group meets on Monday afternoons to study and make professional connections.GiveWisely for Advisors TrainingThis program teaches people who help others with money how to guide their clients in giving to charities. The training shows advisors how to help people find good causes they care about and give money in ways that save on taxes.
The Journey
30 connected resources across 5 levelsTrail depth
Level 1
Get CuriousRead, watch, exploreWe are building resources for this level
Level 2
Find Your PeopleMeet orgs, neighbors, groups12 resourcesYou are hereOrganizationBay Area Financial Education FoundationThis organization teaches people how to manage money better through classes and workshops. They help families learn about saving, budgeting, and making smart choices with money so they can build a stronger financial future.
OrganizationKresge Foundation — Education ProgramThis foundation gives money to programs that help students from families without much money go to college. They especially help students at community colleges and state universities get the support they need to graduate.
OrganizationDollar BankDollar Bank helps people with their money needs like checking accounts, savings, and loans. They offer banking services to help you manage your money safely and grow your savings.
+9 more at this levelLevel 3
Show UpEvents, meetings, volunteeringWe are building resources for this level
Level 4
Go DeeperTraining, sustained involvement16 resourcesLevel 5
Make Your MoveAdvocacy, organizing, creating2 resourcesFocus Areas