There are lots of people in Germany who help refugees when they arrive. They are active in refugee committees, work or helper groups or clubs. They are involved in giving out clothes in the reception centres ("Erstaufnahmeeinrichtung"), they can help with administrative formalities, volunteer teaching German, organise leisure activities and support you in your search for a flat. Volunteering means that the helpers are not paid for their activities. They are just happy to help you.

On the website of the independent human rights organisation ProAsyl you will find the contacts of the nationwide refugee councils, which coordinate and support local refugee aid initiatives.