Women and children at Women’s Shelter in Reykjavik face overcrowding challenges

More than thirty women and children are currently residing at the Women’s Shelter in Reykjavik, which now accommodates 19 children and 13 mothers. The shelter has become too small for its current operations, prompting fundraising efforts for a new facility.

The number of residents at the shelter has surged, and its manager, Linda Dröfn Gunnarsdóttir, has noted that the shelter has not seen such a high count of children in recent memory. A new building is under construction, expected to be completed in about a year and a half, designed to improve the services provided.

The Women’s Shelter has been operational for over 40 years, experiencing a steady increase in users. While the number of residents fluctuates, there is currently a significant demand for services, with rising bookings for initial consultations. Linda emphasizes the importance of addressing domestic violence and acknowledges a growing group of women seeking counseling services.

The current facility is filled beyond capacity, making it increasingly difficult to provide adequate support. The new shelter aims to enhance space for women and children, expand counseling services, and facilitate better access for individuals with disabilities.

Although the shelter is always open to women and children fleeing domestic violence, Linda points out that there is no adequate government support to match the demand. Presently, 50% of operational income comes from the public, while government contributions have remained stagnant for many years. Access to support from municipalities is inconsistent, and Linda stresses that the services the shelter offers should be publicly mandated.