The municipality has already opened 16 emergency beds in Nuussuaq. Now, politicians must decide on a solution that could last three years and cost 2.4 million kroner per year.
The number of monthly users at Nuuk’s two shelters, Kujallerpaat and Ungaaq, rose from 75 in June to 92 in July, and Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq does not expect that number to drop over the winter. At the same time, the women’s wing at Kujallerpaat, with its 12 beds, has typically been fully occupied, so women have been housed in the men’s wing — which is inappropriate, as these are often vulnerable and at-risk women, the administration writes.
Following a decision by the chairperson on August 28 and the mayor’s approval on September 1, the municipality has therefore established an emergency shelter with 16 beds for women in the former Umiaq daycare center in Nuussuaq. At the same time, the street outreach team has moved out of its premises, freeing up space for two homeless couples, and eight additional bunk beds have been ordered. Combined, this increases the capacity in Nuuk from 80 to 104 beds.
When the Committee on Social Affairs and Disabilities meets on September 21, it will decide whether the program should be made temporary for up to three years—until a new shelter for the homeless at Kujallerpaat is ready. The matter will then be referred to the Committee on Finance and Business and the municipal council.
Behind this issue lies a gap in the law. There is no legislation specifically addressing homelessness; the operation of shelters is not required by law, and the municipalities have not been allocated funds for this task. The municipality raised this issue during the block grant negotiations and in the political coordination group in August.
The municipality will therefore bear the cost itself: 150,000 kroner per year for building operations and approximately 2.4 million kroner in salaries for eight employees. For 2026, the cost is estimated at 850,000 kroner.
