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Volunteering in Hamburg

By Betsy Burlingame

SJB Global
SJB Global

Summary: One of the best ways to meet others in Hamburg is by giving back. Here are a number of organizations where your help would be welcome.

Volunteering in Hamburg - Volunteering in Hamburg

Moving to a new city can be an exciting yet daunting experience, especially for expats. Volunteering is a fantastic way to integrate into the local community, meet new people, and make a positive impact. Hamburg, offers a wealth of volunteering opportunities that cater to various interests and skills. By dedicating your time and efforts to these causes, you can forge meaningful connections with like-minded individuals and contribute to the betterment of the city.

Hanseatic Help

Hanseatic Help is a well-known organization in Hamburg that supports refugees and asylum seekers. They provide a range of services, including language classes, cultural integration programs, and legal advice. Volunteers can assist with teaching, event organization, or administrative tasks. The time commitment varies but typically involves a few hours per week.

Website: hanseatic-help.org
Location(s): Various locations across Hamburg
Time Commitment: Flexible, typically a few hours per week

Hamburg City Mission

The Hamburg City Mission focuses on helping the homeless and those in need. They offer meals, clothing, and shelter, as well as support services to help individuals reintegrate into society. Volunteers can assist with meal preparation, distribution, and other support activities. The time commitment is flexible and can range from a few hours per week to more regular involvement.

Website: stadtmission-mensch.de
Location(s): Various locations across Hamburg
Time Commitment: Flexible, ranging from a few hours per week to more regular involvement

Greenpeace Hamburg

Greenpeace Hamburg is dedicated to environmental protection and sustainability. Volunteers can participate in campaigns, events, and educational programs aimed at raising awareness about environmental issues. The time commitment can vary depending on the specific project or campaign, but it generally involves a few hours per month.

Website: greenpeace.de/hamburg
Location(s): Greenpeace Office in Hamburg and various event locations
Time Commitment: Flexible, typically a few hours per month

Hospiz Hamburg

Hospiz Hamburg provides palliative care and support for terminally ill patients and their families. Volunteers can offer companionship, assist with administrative tasks, or help with fundraising events. The time commitment is flexible and can be tailored to the volunteer's availability.

Website: hospiz-hamburg.de
Location(s): Various hospice facilities and event locations in Hamburg
Time Commitment: Flexible, based on the volunteer's availability

Tafel Hamburg

Tafel Hamburg is a food bank that distributes surplus food to people in need. Volunteers can assist with food collection, sorting, and distribution, as well as administrative tasks. The time commitment is flexible and can range from a few hours per week to more regular involvement.

Website: hamburger-tafel.de
Location(s): Various distribution points across Hamburg
Time Commitment: Flexible, ranging from a few hours per week to more regular involvement

Hamburg Animal Shelter

The Hamburg Animal Shelter provides care and shelter for abandoned and abused animals. Volunteers can assist with animal care, walking dogs, cleaning facilities, and administrative tasks. The time commitment is flexible and can be tailored to the volunteer's availability.

Website: hamburger-tierschutzverein.de
Location(s): Hamburg Animal Shelter
Time Commitment: Flexible, based on the volunteer's availability

Hamburg Public Libraries

Hamburg Public Libraries offer a range of programs and services for the community. Volunteers can assist with reading programs, children's activities, and other educational initiatives. The time commitment is flexible and can range from a few hours per week to more regular involvement.

Website: buecherhallen.de
Location(s): Various public libraries across Hamburg
Time Commitment: Flexible, ranging from a few hours per week to more regular involvement

Hamburg Red Cross

The Hamburg Red Cross provides various humanitarian services, including first aid, disaster relief, and social support programs. Volunteers can assist with events, training sessions, and support activities. The time commitment is flexible and can range from a few hours per week to more regular involvement.

Website: drk-hamburg.de
Location(s): Various locations across Hamburg
Time Commitment: Flexible, ranging from a few hours per week to more regular involvement

Hamburg Maritime Foundation

The Hamburg Maritime Foundation is dedicated to preserving and promoting the city's maritime heritage. Volunteers can assist with events, educational programs, and restoration projects. The time commitment is flexible and can range from a few hours per week to more regular involvement.

Website: stiftung-hamburg-maritim.de
Location(s): Various maritime sites and event locations in Hamburg
Time Commitment: Flexible, ranging from a few hours per week to more regular involvement

Hamburg Museums

Hamburg is home to numerous museums that showcase the city's rich history and culture. Volunteers can assist with tours, exhibitions, and educational programs. The time commitment is flexible and can range from a few hours per week to more regular involvement.

Website: hamburg.de/museen
Location(s): Various museums across Hamburg
Time Commitment: Flexible, ranging from a few hours per week to more regular involvement

Hamburg City Parks

Hamburg City Parks offer beautiful green spaces for the community to enjoy. Volunteers can assist with gardening, maintenance, and environmental conservation projects. The time commitment is flexible and can range from a few hours per week to more regular involvement.

Website: hamburg.de/stadt-grün
Location(s): Various city parks across Hamburg
Time Commitment: Flexible, ranging from a few hours per week to more regular involvement

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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SJB GlobalSJB Global

SJB Global is a top-rated financial advisory firm specializing in expat financial advice worldwide, offering retirement planning & tax-efficient solutions with a regressive fee model.
Learn More

SJB Global
SJB Global

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