At Realtor.com, giving back isn’t just for show. It’s woven into the fabric of our corporate culture. And for our Austin-based summer interns, a day of community service was a powerful lesson in humility and gratitude. 

On July 9, our interns volunteered with Caritas of Austin, a nonprofit that has been supporting people experiencing homelessness in Central Texas since 1964. The organization operates a Community Kitchen that serves hot meals five days a week to hundreds of people facing food insecurity.

Our interns spent the day prepping meals, serving guests, and cleaning up, making a direct impact in the heart of downtown Austin. Here’s what a few had to say about the experience.

Learning Through Service

The day began early as the interns were welcomed by the Caritas staff. They got straight to work chopping vegetables, prepping trays, and helping to organize supplies before the lunch rush. When service began, they bussed tables, washed dishes, handed out drinks, and served meals to community members. Everyone was served – no questions asked. 

“Spending a whole day giving back in such a direct, hands-on way was incredibly humbling,” said Aury, a talent attraction and people operations intern. “This experience totally changed my perspective. Real generosity isn’t just about donating money – it’s about showing up and doing the work to support others.”

Bringing Intern Skills to the Table

For Caleb, what stood out most about the volunteer experience was the difference he was able to make. “ I didn’t introduce myself as a software engineering intern,” he said. “I just told them, ‘I’m here to help with Realtor.com.’ That made me feel like part of something bigger than my role, and reminded me that I’m part of a team committed to real impact.”

A New Perspective on the Community

Tanner, a data science and analytics intern, said that volunteering at Caritas provided a sense of fulfillment as well as a deeper connection to the local community. “Being able to serve food to those in need has taught me I need to be more grateful for the opportunities I have been given,” he said. “It was especially meaningful to serve people I see in the neighborhood every day.”

Tanner also appreciated learning more about the challenges facing the people of Austin during a post-service lunch-and-learn. “One stat that stuck with me was that to afford an apartment in Austin, you need to make about $37 an hour, when the average wage is just $24. That really hit me. It reminded me how urgent the need is and how important it is to help.”

Giving Back Goes Beyond the Office

Our interns left the day feeling a sense of gratitude, a deeper connection to the community, and more inspired to keep giving back.

“For most of us, this was a new experience,” Aury said. “Now, I’m committed to actively looking for and taking every chance to lend a hand wherever I can, realizing what a privilege I have and the responsibility that comes with it. This experience was a powerful reminder that real generosity isn’t just about money; it’s about actively putting your time, energy, and skills to work to lift up and support others.”