Numerous articles on the number of refugees coming in to Berlin have been written in a spattering of languages around the world and of course locally too. Whilst many report about the bureaucratic chaos ensuing, they often have failed to report on the huge dedication, drive and support that many Berlin residents are giving, both German and migrants / expats alike.
There are a huge amount of groups, organisations and individuals who are dedicating their time and resources to try and help and I have compiled a list of some of the ways in which you can help too. Whether you have some money to give, items to offer or even time to donate, there are plenty of ways in which you can do your part to help and be part of this support system. There are of course many wonderful options out there and I can't include them all, so I have chosen some key ways in which you can get involved, the majority of which you can do in English, for those who aren't confident reading or writing in German.
There are a huge amount of groups, organisations and individuals who are dedicating their time and resources to try and help and I have compiled a list of some of the ways in which you can help too. Whether you have some money to give, items to offer or even time to donate, there are plenty of ways in which you can do your part to help and be part of this support system. There are of course many wonderful options out there and I can't include them all, so I have chosen some key ways in which you can get involved, the majority of which you can do in English, for those who aren't confident reading or writing in German.
Extra space in your home?
Refugees Welcome (website in English and German)
This website has been called a 'Airbnb for refugees'. If you have spare space in your home, a spare room or more, then, with continuing support of Refugees Welcome, you can offer this space to a refugee that needs it. They will help you organise the finances (there is some financial support available out there) and support you through the whole process. You will be put in contact with each other first and then can decide if you would like to go ahead. You can read more about the idea behind the site from this article in The Guardian (UK). Sign up with Refugees Welcome here.
This website has been called a 'Airbnb for refugees'. If you have spare space in your home, a spare room or more, then, with continuing support of Refugees Welcome, you can offer this space to a refugee that needs it. They will help you organise the finances (there is some financial support available out there) and support you through the whole process. You will be put in contact with each other first and then can decide if you would like to go ahead. You can read more about the idea behind the site from this article in The Guardian (UK). Sign up with Refugees Welcome here.
Winter Clothing to spare but no car?
Nachts vor dem LaGeSo (page in German but you can write in English)
There are still a large number of people coming to the LaGeSo, a key registration area for those arriving in Berlin. There aren't currently enough Government staff to deal with everyone arriving quickly and so many people are having to camp outside in often freezing and wet conditions and without winter clothing! A Facebook page called Nachts for den LaGeSo has been created to support those waiting outside the registration centre and the page is regularly updated with call outs for specific items. You can write them a direct message (under the title picture on the FB page, to the right) in German or English if you have items they need and they can pick up the items from you and deliver them directly to LaGeSo.
Some money to spare?
Relief for Refugees Berlin (in English)
One of the amazing expat mothers here has created two key ways in which those of you with a bit of money (however small or large an amount) to spare, can help. She has created an Amazon registry (like a wedding gift registry) through which she lists and regularly updates the items specifically needed by local refugee centres. You can purchase these online and ask for them to be delivered to Rebecca D. The items will be delivered to her address and then she takes them to the centres where they are needed. I can vouch that she really is doing this and you can keep up to date with her amazing work Relief for Refugees Facebook page.
Winter Boots for Refugees (in English)
Alternatively, Rebecca has also set up a crowdfunding campaign through Betterplace.org to raise funds towards buying winter boots for the large number of people entering Berlin with insufficient (and sometimes zero) footwear for these cold winter day and nights. She has made a brilliant deal with Deichmann to purchase them at a reduced price and a small amount of money goes a long way. This is a wonderful campaign and you can support it here.
One of the amazing expat mothers here has created two key ways in which those of you with a bit of money (however small or large an amount) to spare, can help. She has created an Amazon registry (like a wedding gift registry) through which she lists and regularly updates the items specifically needed by local refugee centres. You can purchase these online and ask for them to be delivered to Rebecca D. The items will be delivered to her address and then she takes them to the centres where they are needed. I can vouch that she really is doing this and you can keep up to date with her amazing work Relief for Refugees Facebook page.
Winter Boots for Refugees (in English)
Alternatively, Rebecca has also set up a crowdfunding campaign through Betterplace.org to raise funds towards buying winter boots for the large number of people entering Berlin with insufficient (and sometimes zero) footwear for these cold winter day and nights. She has made a brilliant deal with Deichmann to purchase them at a reduced price and a small amount of money goes a long way. This is a wonderful campaign and you can support it here.
Room at the dinner table?
Welcome Dinner Berlin (basics in English and full site in German)
WDB was set up as a way of matching people in Berlin who wish to open their home and their kitchens to individuals or families for a dinner at home. It is a great opportunity to personally meet and welcome someone or a family and share some warm home cooked food. If you would like to host an individual or family, simply register with Welcome Dinner Berlin to begin the process.
WDB was set up as a way of matching people in Berlin who wish to open their home and their kitchens to individuals or families for a dinner at home. It is a great opportunity to personally meet and welcome someone or a family and share some warm home cooked food. If you would like to host an individual or family, simply register with Welcome Dinner Berlin to begin the process.
Finished with your baby items?
Welcome Baby Bag is run by people specifically looking to help refugees with newborns and babies under 6 months of age who have arrived in Berlin. They fill a bag with specific basics that will be helpful for young babies and these bags are then donated to those in need. Specific items they need are as follows:
- money donations
- warm snow overalls size 56 & 62, 50/56 62/68
- warm hats- unisex - Gr 50/56 or head circumference 37-39 cm
- baby towels with hoods
- tights/leggings 50/56
- pacifiers size 1
- sleep sacks 60-70cm, 0-6 months
- blankets
- Carriers/slings, with directions in Arabic (can be printed from the Didymos Facebook page
- Soft "moses basket" as little bed
DONATIONS can be dropped off at Liebling Berlin on Mehringdamm 89 on Tues/Thurs 11:00-18:00, or by mail.
Message Welcome Baby Bag directly for information on how best to send money donations.
- money donations
- warm snow overalls size 56 & 62, 50/56 62/68
- warm hats- unisex - Gr 50/56 or head circumference 37-39 cm
- baby towels with hoods
- tights/leggings 50/56
- pacifiers size 1
- sleep sacks 60-70cm, 0-6 months
- blankets
- Carriers/slings, with directions in Arabic (can be printed from the Didymos Facebook page
- Soft "moses basket" as little bed
DONATIONS can be dropped off at Liebling Berlin on Mehringdamm 89 on Tues/Thurs 11:00-18:00, or by mail.
Message Welcome Baby Bag directly for information on how best to send money donations.
Time to spare?
Give Something Back to Berlin (in English)
Founded to create a bridge between non-German speaking migrants/expats in Berlin and the many organisations in need of support throughout the city, this English language site is a network that connects those in Berlin who are looking to volunteer. Their network offers lots of options for volunteering to support refugees in a large variety of ways through either signing up to offer your specific skills/services or answering an advert looking for certain skills/services. You can see their list of support needed / offered here.
Founded to create a bridge between non-German speaking migrants/expats in Berlin and the many organisations in need of support throughout the city, this English language site is a network that connects those in Berlin who are looking to volunteer. Their network offers lots of options for volunteering to support refugees in a large variety of ways through either signing up to offer your specific skills/services or answering an advert looking for certain skills/services. You can see their list of support needed / offered here.
Want to support in your area?
Local Support Organisations across the city (in German but worth trying English)
Pretty much every district across the city has a help organisation that is working to help those in need in their neighbourhood. The websites / Facebook pages / groups are written predominantly in German however, there will likely be some English speakers involved so feel free to write to them in English if you lack current German skills. Here's a list of the local groups I've found by district:
Charlottenburg Hilft - website / Facebook group
Friedrichshain Hilft - website / Facebook page / FB group
Kreuzberg Hilft - website / Facebook group
Neukölln Hilft - Facebook page / Facebook group
Prenzlauer Berg Hilft - Facebook group
Pankow Hilft - website / Facebook group
Schöneberg Hilft - website / Facebook group
Spandau Hilft Gerne - Facebook group
Tempelhof Hilft - Facebook group
Treptow / Köpenick Hilft - Facebook group
Pretty much every district across the city has a help organisation that is working to help those in need in their neighbourhood. The websites / Facebook pages / groups are written predominantly in German however, there will likely be some English speakers involved so feel free to write to them in English if you lack current German skills. Here's a list of the local groups I've found by district:
Charlottenburg Hilft - website / Facebook group
Friedrichshain Hilft - website / Facebook page / FB group
Kreuzberg Hilft - website / Facebook group
Neukölln Hilft - Facebook page / Facebook group
Prenzlauer Berg Hilft - Facebook group
Pankow Hilft - website / Facebook group
Schöneberg Hilft - website / Facebook group
Spandau Hilft Gerne - Facebook group
Tempelhof Hilft - Facebook group
Treptow / Köpenick Hilft - Facebook group
If you know of a key organisation that absolutely must be added to this list, please let me know about them, with links, in the comments section below.
