Howdy started in 2023 when a group of East Austin neighbors realized something: hundreds of people in their zip code wanted to volunteer, but had no easy way to find, track, or be rewarded for their service.

After months of conversations at coffee shops and community centers, the idea for Howdy took shape. What if there was a simple platform that matched willing neighbors with nonprofits in need, tracked their volunteer hours, and let local businesses say “thank you” with real perks?

Today, Howdy connects dozens of organizations across Austin. We have verified thousands of volunteer hours and partnered with local favorites like coffee shops, bookstores, and recreation centers to reward the people who show up for their community.

But we are just getting started. Our vision is a city where every act of service is seen, valued, and celebrated. A place where the simple word “Howdy” means more than hello — it means “I am here for you.”