Giving Tuesday is on December 3, offering Houstonians an opportunity to give back to the community. To help you get involved, we've rounded up a few organizations across the Houston area that are making a positive impact in the region. BakerRipley has been a cornerstone of community empowerment for over a century, bringing resources, education and connections to Houston's emerging neighborhoods. Dedicated to disrupting inequities, BakerRipley works to maximize the unique strengths of the communities it serves. Through innovative programs and partnerships, the organization helps neighbors enhance their earning potential, learning opportunities, sense of belonging and health and well-being. Communities In Schools of Houston (CIS) is dedicated to unlocking every student’s potential by connecting them with caring adults and vital community resources. With a network of partners, including volunteers, mental health providers and educators, CIS provides support to help students overcome barriers that stand in the way of students from reaching their full potential. Good Reason Houston is committed to transforming education across the Houston region to ensure every child has access to a world-class public school. With a vision of making Houston the nation’s leader in public education, the organization drives systemic change by advising districts on innovative strategies, conducting original research, advocating for student-centered policies and fostering collaborative solutions with community partners. The Houston Food Bank provides essential food and resources to individuals across the Greater Houston area who lack access to nutritious meals. In addition to food distribution, the Food Bank offers programs focused on long-term stability, including nutrition education, health management and assistance with securing state-funded support. Whether through donations or volunteering, the Houston Food Bank offers multiple ways to give back and support the community.   Mental Health America of Greater Houston empowers the community by prioritizing mental health education, advocacy, and access to care. With a vision of replacing stigma with compassion and fostering resilience and hope, the organization works to: educate and train communities, break down barriers to care, advocate for legislative change and connect individuals to essential mental health services. The Rose is dedicated to supporting breast health and awareness, providing more than 40,000 women in Houston each year with comprehensive breast cancer screenings, diagnostics, biopsies and treatment. By removing barriers such as cost and lack of insurance, The Rose ensures that every woman has access to the care she needs. United Way of Greater Houston empowers Houstonians to overcome barriers to achieve success by providing essential tools, resources and educational support to individuals and families. Through funding dozens of partner nonprofits, United Way helps strengthen the community and support those in need. Learn more about Giving Tuesday.

Located just minutes from Downtown, Houston’s Montrose neighborhood stands out for its historic charm and eclectic spirit. From its unique art galleries and vibrant murals to its diverse dining scene and vintage shops, Montrose offers something for everyone. Here’s your guide to exploring this one-of-a-kind neighborhood.   Art & Entertainment  Click to expand At the heart of Montrose’s art scene is The Menil Collection, a world-class museum offering free admission to a diverse range of artworks, from ancient and Byzantine artifacts to African, Pacific Islands and modern and contemporary pieces. The museum’s campus spans five buildings, including the Menil Drawing Institute, the only standalone facility in the U.S. dedicated exclusively to modern and contemporary drawings. Also on the campus is Richmond Hall, home to the Dan Flavin Installation, an immersive light experience.  Click to expand Take a stroll down Westheimer or Shepherd streets to explore the neighborhood’s vibrant murals and street art.   Click to expand The neighborhood is also home to Stages, a three-theater facility that hosts a wide range of performances, from comedies to musicals. Live music lovers can catch acoustic sets and folk performances at Anderson Fair, an intimate and historic venue that has been showcasing singer-songwriters since 1970, including Texas Country legend Robert Earl Keen. For a more eccentric experience, AvantGarden, a patio bar and lounge, offers a mix of local bands, poetry readings, art classes and more in a laid-back setting.    Restaurants & Shops  Montrose is a food lover’s paradise, serving up unique dishes that are as diverse as the neighborhood itself. Long-standing establishments like Hugo’s, famed for its authentic Mexican cuisine, The Pit Room, a go-to barbecue spot and Uchi, an innovative Japanese restaurant, founded by James Beard award-winning chef Tyson Cole, provide unforgettable dining experiences.  Click to expand Meanwhile, exciting new spots like The Marigold Club, a French-inspired concept, Októ, a Mediterranean restaurant and Thai Tail, a fast-casual eatery offering a unique blend of Thai and American dishes, are gaining popularity in the neighborhood.  Click to expand Shoppers can indulge at the Montrose Collective, a new mixed-use center featuring trendy dining spots like Sophie’s Cocktail & Terrace Bar and Marmo. The Collective is also home to stylish storefronts such as Mejuri, a fine jewelry boutique, and Reformation, a popular clothing retailer. For wellness and beauty, the center offers top-tier facilities like Hi, Skin, a luxury facial spa, and Solidcore, a cutting-edge Pilates studio.  Click to expand The neighborhood is also a haven for vintage lovers, offering a variety of thrift and vintage shops like Pavement, Leopard Lounge, The Guild Shop and Out of the Closet, where you can discover quirky finds and hidden treasures. If you’re in search of local art and handmade goods, Space Montrose offers a wide selection of products from Houston-based artists and makers. For book enthusiasts, Basket Books & Art is a true literary gem, offering a thoughtfully curated selection of books alongside a contemporary art gallery. The independent bookstore also hosts community events, including book club meetings, author meet-and-greets and poetry readings.  Parks & Green Spaces  Click to expand Montrose offers numerous parks and green spaces for a retreat from the urban hustle. On the Menil Collection Campus, you’ll find Menil Park, offering 30 acres of serene green space with a picturesque view of unique sculptures and shady trees. If you’re a dog lover, head to Ervan Chew Park, where you’ll find a spacious dog play area and a playground and splash pad for kids, making it a fun spot for the entire family.  Mandell Park is another beloved local gem, featuring lush gardens, walking trails and shaded areas perfect for picnics or a quiet afternoon with a book. The park also hosts community events such as teaching gardens and live music nights. Other neighborhood favorites include Cherryhurst Park and Shiffick Park.  Discover more about living in Houston.