Since Konukot (“Women’s Cottage”), a shelter for homeless women operated by the City of Reykjavík and the Icelandic Red Cross, began operating in November 2004, 80 women have sought shelter there and their number is increasing.
According to a recently published report by Kristín Helga Gudmundsdóttir, project leader for Konukot, 34 women spent 921 nights at the shelter in 2005; in 2006, 39 women spent 962 nights there; and this year so far, 41 women have spent 919 nights at Konukot, Morgunbladid reports.
“It is an invaluable experience to participate in a project like this before finishing my studies,” said volunteer Sigrídur Rafnsdóttir, who has worked at Konukot since April and is studying to become a social worker at the University of Iceland.
