Origin and Development
The Help Kiosk emerged from civic engagement — driven by the conviction that practical assistance, openness, and cooperation create a strong urban community. Following the municipal election in 2014, it became clear that additional support for refugee assistance was needed in Witten. Six committed individuals therefore founded an independent contact point for refugees. One year later, this initiative became a registered non-profit association.
Today, around twenty active members are continuously involved in our work, supported by a network of more than one hundred volunteers. Our initiative began in the listed historic former kiosk next to the town hall as a subtenant of the Volkshochschule. We now also operate a storage facility as well as a shop on Brauckstraße, where we provide practical day-to-day assistance.
What We Do
Our work is diverse and practice-oriented. We accompany people in dealing with public authorities, support them in finding housing, coordinate assistance services, organize events, and promote social participation. Many of our activities developed directly from urgent needs — often in the spirit of “learning by doing.” Particularly valuable is the involvement of people with their own experience of displacement, who actively contribute, for example through translation or counseling.
Commitment of a Civic Community
The willingness of Witten’s residents to help has been and remains remarkable. Especially during the major refugee movements of 2015, an extraordinary level of solidarity became visible: when the Jahnhalle was used as an initial reception center, around one thousand citizens volunteered to help — from language instruction and childcare to recreational activities. Donation campaigns, for example for urgently needed suitcases, received strong support within a very short time and enabled assistance far beyond the city’s borders.
Values and Perspective
The widely discussed phrase “We can do this” by former Federal Chancellor Angela Merkel reflects a guiding principle for us: a society built on solidarity can overcome challenges together. Many of the people who came to Witten at that time are now an integral part of our city — they work, volunteer, and actively help shape community life.
For more than a decade, the Help Kiosk has stood for practical support, respectful encounters, and sustainable integration work. Our goal remains unchanged: to provide help for self-help and to build bridges between people.