Volunteering is a simple yet powerful way to build connections, inspire change, and strengthen communities. Whether mentoring youth, supporting a food bank, or working at a local shelter or community kitchen, acts of service benefit all.

In today’s busy, often disconnected world, Quadel Director, Brooke Etie, makes sure she takes time to volunteer at a local Dallas organization, The Human Impact. Especially around the holidays.

Deciding to Volunteer

Etie became involved in the organization while working at a local Public Housing Authority (PHA). The community group works to bridge the gap between unhoused individuals and other community members through connection. The simple goal: befriending individuals and fostering long-term community.

After meeting with the organization about PHA housing programs, Etie decided to become a volunteer for personal and professional reasons. Etie experienced homeless once, and she appreciated the unique approach to a universal issue.

“I’m a very mission-driven person. When I learned that their approach goes beyond addressing the obvious issues of homelessness and focuses on building genuine human connections, I was immediately inspired,” Etie said. “I couldn’t wait to get involved and contribute however I could.”

Twice a week, volunteers walk the streets of Dallas talking with local unhoused individuals. In addition, they host “Come to the Table” meals for people to share meals and conversation with one another. Every December, they host an annual Christmas Block Party and Caroling event.

Meeting Unhoused in Her Community

Etie tries to volunteer a few hours a month but hopes to do more in the future. As a member of the affordable housing industry, she feels a “deep responsibility” to do more than just what her job requires.

She participated in one of the community walks and remembers the experience vividly.

“I met an incredible woman who had experienced homelessness for several years. She shared that she was working hard to get back on her feet and hoped to move into an apartment soon, but needed help with the move. Without hesitation, the group told her they’d help,” Etie said. “A few weeks later, I received a photo of the group moving all her belongings from a storage unit into her very own apartment. It was extremely inspiring.”

Etie believes if more people volunteer in their communities, meaningful changes can be made. For those interested in volunteering but are unsure where to start, she recommends checking with their local Continuum of Care (CoC) for the annual Point-in-Time Homeless Count which takes place each January.

“Volunteering brings me so much joy because you serve someone who might feel unseen or unimportant. Everyone matters, and everyone deserves a place to call home,” Etie said.” If each of us took just a few hours out of our month to help in our community, we could make such a meaningful difference.”