Volunteering in Paris

Moving to a new city can be both exciting and challenging, especially for expats in Paris. Volunteering is an excellent way to connect with the local community, meet new people, and improve language skills while making a positive impact. Paris offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities, from helping the homeless to teaching languages and promoting cultural exchange. Here is a guide to some organizations where expats might be interested in volunteering.

Les Restos du Coeur

Les Restos du Coeur is a prominent charity in France that provides food and assistance to those in need. Volunteers can help with food distribution, administrative tasks, or fundraising events. The organization operates year-round, with a peak in activities during the winter. Volunteering here requires a commitment of at least half a day per week.

Website: restosducoeur.org
Location(s): Various locations throughout Paris
Time Commitment: Half a day per week

Secours Populaire Français

Secours Populaire Français is dedicated to fighting poverty and exclusion. They offer various volunteering opportunities, including sorting and distributing clothes, helping with food drives, and assisting with educational workshops. Volunteers typically commit to a few hours per week, and long-term commitments are welcome.

Website: secourspopulaire.fr
Location(s): Multiple locations in Paris
Time Commitment: A few hours per week

Emmaüs France

Emmaüs France is an organization that works to combat poverty and homelessness. Volunteers can assist in their community shops, help with collecting and sorting donations, or participate in solidarity initiatives. The time commitment varies, but volunteers are generally expected to commit to at least a few hours per week.

Website: emmaus-france.org
Location(s): Several locations in Paris
Time Commitment: A few hours per week

SOS Helpline

SOS Helpline is an English-language crisis line in France that provides emotional support to those in need. Volunteers undergo training to become listeners and are expected to commit to a few shifts per month. This is a great opportunity for expats who are fluent in English and want to provide support to the community.

Website: soshelpline.org
Location(s): Paris
Time Commitment: A few shifts per month

Les Amis de la Terre

Les Amis de la Terre (Friends of the Earth) is an environmental organization that focuses on sustainable development and climate change. Volunteers can participate in campaigns, events, and awareness-raising activities. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities for both short-term and long-term involvement.

Website: amisdelaterre.org
Location(s): Paris
Time Commitment: Flexible

La Cimade

La Cimade is an organization that supports migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. Volunteers can help with legal support, language classes, and community integration programs. The time commitment varies, but volunteers are generally expected to commit to a few hours per week.

Website: lacimade.org
Location(s): Paris
Time Commitment: A few hours per week

Croix-Rouge Française

The French Red Cross (Croix-Rouge Française) offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities, including first aid training, emergency response, and social support programs. Volunteers can choose from various roles based on their interests and availability. The time commitment can be flexible, with options for both short-term and long-term involvement.

Website: croix-rouge.fr
Location(s): Multiple locations in Paris
Time Commitment: Flexible

Action Contre la Faim

Action Contre la Faim (Action Against Hunger) is an international humanitarian organization that works to end hunger. Volunteers can assist with fundraising events, awareness campaigns, and administrative tasks. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities for both one-time and recurring volunteer roles.

Website: actioncontrelafaim.org
Location(s): Paris
Time Commitment: Flexible

Bibliothèques Sans Frontières

Bibliothèques Sans Frontières (Libraries Without Borders) promotes access to information and education. Volunteers can help with sorting and distributing books, organizing events, and supporting educational programs. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities for both short-term and long-term involvement.

Website: librarieswithoutborders.org
Location(s): Paris
Time Commitment: Flexible

Secours Catholique

Secours Catholique is a Catholic charity that provides support to those in need, regardless of their religious background. Volunteers can assist with food distribution, clothing drives, and community support programs. The time commitment varies, but volunteers are generally expected to commit to a few hours per week.

Website: secours-catholique.org
Location(s): Multiple locations in Paris
Time Commitment: A few hours per week

La Mie de Pain

La Mie de Pain is an organization that supports homeless and vulnerable individuals. Volunteers can help with food distribution, administrative tasks, and community integration programs. The time commitment varies, but volunteers are generally expected to commit to a few hours per week.

Website: lamiedepain.asso.fr
Location(s): Paris
Time Commitment: A few hours per week

Habitat et Humanisme

Habitat et Humanisme works to provide affordable housing and support to those in need. Volunteers can assist with administrative tasks, fundraising events, and community support programs. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities for both short-term and long-term involvement.

Website: habitat-humanisme.org
Location(s): Paris
Time Commitment: Flexible