Icelandic women’s shelter faces uncertain future due to impending lease expiry

The women’s shelter in Akureyri, Iceland, is set to lose its premises by the end of the year. Despite ongoing negotiations with local authorities, the shelter has yet to secure a new location.

Since its establishment in 2020, the shelter has been operating from a rented property. According to the executive director, Linda Dröfn Gunnarsdóttir, this arrangement was not ideal as stability is crucial for such operations. The initial operation in Akureyri started as an experimental project, hence the decision to lease a property. However, the shelter’s lease agreement will expire at the end of the year.

“We know that with the operational foundation we have today, we cannot handle full operation and possibly the operation of housing as well. We have had housing on very good terms so we really have to seek the assistance of parties in the area,” Linda commented.

Over the course of this year, about 20 women and children have sought assistance from the shelter, with around 70 using the service since it opened in 2020.

Linda stated that the future course of action is uncertain if assistance from Akureyri does not materialize. “I only know that we will try to explore all avenues to find a solution to this matter. Because we really want to continue here in the north,” she stated.