community & immigration

These resources are intended to help residents locate publicly available information related to immigration services, legal support, housing assistance, and community programs in the Austin area. The organizations below provide a range of services including legal referrals, educational materials, emergency support, and volunteer opportunities. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by the Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Association.

Shelter & Assistance

  • Austin Sanctuary Network
    Coalition supporting immigrants and asylum seekers through advocacy, accompaniment, and community-based assistance.

  • Casa Marianella
    Provides shelter, housing support, education, and social services for immigrants and asylum seekers.

Advocacy, Legal Information & Community Support

Volunteer Opportunities

Recycling, Reuse & Sustainability

These resources provide information about recycling, composting, reuse programs, donation opportunities, and sustainability initiatives available to Austin and Travis County residents. Programs include curbside collection services, waste reduction education, household material drop-off options, and volunteer-led neighborhood sustainability efforts. Inclusion is informational only and does not imply endorsement by the Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Association.

  • What Can Be Recycled
    Searchable guide explaining how to recycle, compost, reuse, or safely dispose of common household items and materials in Austin.

  • Austin Resource Recovery My Schedule
    Sign up for collection reminders, service alerts, and schedule updates for trash, recycling, composting, and bulk item pickup services.

  • Recycle and Reuse Drop-off Center
    City-operated drop-off center accepting hard-to-recycle items, household hazardous waste, electronics, batteries, and reusable materials.

  • On-Demand ATX Clothing and Household Goods Curbside Collection
    Curbside collection program for unwanted clothing, shoes, linens, and household goods to support reuse and reduce landfill waste.

  • Living Sustainably in Austin- Green Resources
    City sustainability resource hub featuring information on conservation, waste reduction, composting, water use, and climate-focused programs.

  • Travis County Recycling and Disposal Resources
    County resource directory with recycling, disposal, reuse, and hazardous waste options available to Travis County residents and businesses.

  • Heartening
    Community donation platform connecting residents with local nonprofits accepting clothing, household goods, furniture, and personal items.

  • Austin Creative Reuse
    Nonprofit reuse center offering affordable creative materials, donation programs, workshops, and sustainability education to reduce landfill waste.

  • Habitat For Humanity Restore
    Nonprofit home improvement store accepting and reselling donated furniture, appliances, and building materials to support affordable housing.

Homeless Assistance & City Resources

These resources provide publicly available information related to homelessness response programs, neighborhood services, and public space management programs in Austin. Information includes city-operated services, neighborhood tools, and updates related to encampment response efforts and community infrastructure. Inclusion is for informational purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Association.

Zero Waste Block Management (ZWBM)

What  Zero Waste means: The City of Austin is working toward a “zero waste” goal by 2040, aiming to divert as much material as possible away from landfills through recycling, reuse, composting, and re-homing programs. Through curbside collection, on-demand pickup services, and community waste diversion initiatives, the city is focused on reducing environmental impact and extending the life of local landfills.

What is a Zero Waste Block Leader and What Do They Hope to Accomplish? Zero Waste Block Leaders (ZWBLs) are community advocates who support and manage local zero waste initiatives on behalf of the City of Austin. By training volunteers to serve as neighborhood resources, the program helps expand public outreach, increase awareness of waste diversion practices, and encourage more sustainable habits at the community level.

In Bouldin Creek, a group of Zero Waste Block Leaders (ZWBLs) work together to expand the impact of local waste diversion efforts. Their goal is to ensure residents are informed about recycling, composting, reuse, and other zero waste practices while also creating accessible and convenient ways for the community to participate. Although the team partners closely with the Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Association, it operates as an independent, community-led group.

In October 2025, the Bouldin Creek ZWBL team conducted a neighborhood survey and responded by organizing recycling drives to consolidate materials and reduce trips residents make to the Austin Recycle and Reuse Center. At least two community collections are held each year in coordination with It’s My Park Day. The ZWBL team also maintains a cork drop-off at Twin Oaks Library and provides outreach at neighborhood events and meetings, offering guidance, answering questions, and distributing free resources. Updates and announcements are shared through the BCNA email group (search #ZWBL) and the neighborhood bulletin. Check back regularly to learn about additional initiatives in development.

Your Bouldin Creek Zero Waste Block Leaders
(updated 06/2026)

Joyce Bertolacini: jbird621@yahoo.com

Sameera Balay: sameera_b1@hotmail.com

Liz Carey: carey117@gmail.com

Barbara Denison

Mark McDonald

Linda Overton

Kristen Park

Deb Trejo

How to Become A ZWBL: Becoming a ZWBL is simple: just attend one of the city’s quarterly orientation sessions, register online, and record at least 10 volunteer hours per year. If you’re in Bouldin, please contact Joyce at jbird621@yahoo.com to become part of our ZWBL team.

All ZWBLs can get a hang tag for admission to the Recycle and Reuse Center without making an appointment. ZWBLs also receive free T-shirts and gain access to quarterly facility tours, and an online drive of resources.

For more info on becoming a ZWBL, visit this link:

https://www.austintexas.gov/resource-recovery/programs/zero-waste-block-leaders

COA’s Zero Waste Plan:

https://www.austintexas.gov/resource-recovery/zero-waste-2040

COA’s “What Do I Do With…” Tool:

https://www.austintexas.gov/resource-recovery/programs/what-do-i-do