Volunteering in Montpellier
Summary: Getting involved through volunteering is a fantastic way to build connections in Montpellier. Here are some organizations where you can lend a hand.
Volunteering is an excellent way for expats in Montpellier, to connect with the local community, improve language skills, and make new friends. It offers a unique opportunity to integrate and give back to the society while gaining a deeper understanding of the culture. Montpellier, known for its vibrant atmosphere and cultural richness, presents a variety of volunteering opportunities suitable for different interests and skills.
Restos du Cœur
Restos du Cœur is a prominent charity in France that provides food assistance to those in need. Volunteers can help with food distribution, sorting donations, or assisting with administrative tasks. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities available throughout the week. Volunteering here is a great way to engage with the local community and practice French.
Website: restosducoeur.org
Location(s): Various locations in Montpellier
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually a few hours per week
Secours Populaire Français
Secours Populaire Français is dedicated to fighting poverty and exclusion. Volunteers can participate in various activities such as food and clothing distribution, educational support, and cultural events. The organization welcomes volunteers with diverse skills and availability.
Website: secourspopulaire.fr
Location(s): Several branches in Montpellier
Time Commitment: Variable, based on volunteer's availability
Habitat et Humanisme
Habitat et Humanisme focuses on providing housing solutions for people in need. Volunteers can assist with renovation projects, administrative tasks, or supporting families. This organization offers a meaningful way to contribute to the community and meet like-minded individuals.
Website: habitat-humanisme.org
Location(s): Montpellier and surrounding areas
Time Commitment: Varied, depending on the project
La Croix-Rouge Française
La Croix-Rouge Française, or the French Red Cross, offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities including first aid, social support, and emergency response. Volunteers can choose activities based on their interests and availability, making it a flexible option for expats.
Website: croix-rouge.fr
Location(s): Multiple locations in Montpellier
Time Commitment: Flexible, based on the role
Les Petits Frères des Pauvres
Les Petits Frères des Pauvres is dedicated to combating loneliness among the elderly. Volunteers can help with home visits, social activities, and holiday events. This organization provides a rewarding experience for those interested in providing companionship and support.
Website: petitsfreresdespauvres.fr
Location(s): Montpellier and nearby areas
Time Commitment: Variable, usually a few hours per week
SOS Villages d'Enfants
SOS Villages d'Enfants supports children without parental care. Volunteers can assist with educational activities, mentoring, and community events. This organization offers a meaningful way to contribute to the well-being of children and youth in the community.
Website: sosve.org
Location(s): Montpellier and surrounding regions
Time Commitment: Flexible, based on the role
Les Restos du Cœur
Les Restos du Cœur provides meals and support to those in need. Volunteers can help with food preparation, distribution, and fundraising events. This organization offers a direct way to address food insecurity in the community and meet a diverse group of people.
Website: restosducoeur.org
Location(s): Various locations in Montpellier
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually a few hours per week
Emmaüs Montpellier
Emmaüs Montpellier is a community-based organization that focuses on recycling and reusing items to support those in need. Volunteers can assist with sorting donations, sales, and community projects. This organization provides a unique opportunity to contribute to environmental sustainability while helping the community.
Website: emmaus-montpellier.org
Location(s): Montpellier and nearby areas
Time Commitment: Flexible, based on volunteer's availability
Secours Catholique
Secours Catholique is dedicated to fighting poverty and social exclusion. Volunteers can participate in various activities such as food distribution, educational support, and advocacy. The organization welcomes volunteers with diverse skills and availability, making it a flexible option for expats.
Website: secours-catholique.org
Location(s): Multiple locations in Montpellier
Time Commitment: Variable, based on the role
La Banque Alimentaire de l'Hérault
La Banque Alimentaire de l'Hérault collects and distributes food to those in need. Volunteers can help with food collection, sorting, and distribution. This organization offers a direct way to contribute to food security in the community and meet a diverse group of people.
Website: banquealimentaire34.org
Location(s): Montpellier and surrounding areas
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually a few hours per week
Le Refuge
Le Refuge provides support and shelter to LGBTQ+ youth in need. Volunteers can assist with mentoring, educational activities, and community events. This organization offers a meaningful way to contribute to the well-being of young people and support the LGBTQ+ community in Montpellier.
Website: le-refuge.org
Location(s): Montpellier
Time Commitment: Flexible, based on the role
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Montpellier
- Fun Classes for Expats Living in Montpellier
- Best Bookstores and Libraries in Montpellier
- Public Transportation in Montpellier
- Best Markets in Montpellier
- Retire in Montpellier Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Montpellier
- Pros & Cons of Living in Montpellier
- Tips for Expats Driving in Montpellier
- Cost of Living in Montpellier
- Health Care in Montpellier
- The Insider's Guide to Montpellier
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in France
- Best Places to Live in France
- Real Estate in France
- Pros & Cons of Living in France
- Zika Virus in France
- Pros and Cons of Living in France 2025
- 2025 Guide to Moving to France