Faroese shelter for vulnerable groups in disrepair, says union leader

A shelter for vulnerable groups in Tórshavn has fallen into severe disrepair, with critical public services failing to address the issue, according to a report by Faroese national broadcaster Kringvarp Føroya.

Martin Kúrberg, union leader, described the Herbergið shelter in the capital as “a complete mess,” criticising authorities for neglecting those most in need. “The doors of Herbergið are not open to the weakest in our society, while far too many other doors remain closed to them,” he said.

Kúrberg highlighted ongoing structural problems at the facility, which serves as a refuge for individuals struggling with homelessness, mental health diagnoses, and substance abuse. Despite repeated warnings, he claimed little action has been taken by maintenance services, psychiatric departments, or public works agencies.

His remarks follow a broadcast discussion with Magna Højgaard, former head of the Faroese addiction treatment organisation RÓWT and now a member of parliament, which further examined the shelter’s challenges.