Container homes in Tasiilaq put into use before political decision

Eight container homes by Tasiilaq's football field are intended to help vulnerable citizens find stable housing and reduce homelessness and housing shortages.

And the containers are badly needed. The latest figures from the population register show that 56 citizens in Tasiilaq will have an unknown address in 2025. The Self-Government's homeless census from 2022 showed that 64 citizens in the city were homeless.

According to Sermitsiaq, the container homes have already been put into use. The Economic and Business Committee of the Sermersooq Municipality is considering the matter today, Tuesday, February 10, and it is expected to be forwarded to the municipal council.

Housing training offer

The containers are set up as temporary housing, where residents receive support to develop skills that make it possible to live independently.

Due to a housing shortage, many people live under the same roof in Tasiilaq. Last year, Sermitsiaq reported from the city that this is a widespread problem. According to figures from Statistics Greenland, there are 42 households in Tasiilaq where more than eight people share a home.

In comparison, Maniitsoq, which has approximately 700 more inhabitants than Tasiilaq, only has seven households with more than eight residents.

The housing training offer is organized according to the municipality's quality standards and the homeless sector plan. The new department for the homeless area in Social Services is staffed with: A manager, two street team employees with a social work background and two night shifts.

Political treatment

Residents receive social and educational support in a safe and structured environment. The offer is intended to help ensure that more citizens can obtain and maintain their own housing.

Since the exact operating costs are not yet known, an additional grant of approximately DKK 1.6 million is expected to be submitted in 2026 to cover salaries and operations.

The Committee for Social Affairs and Disability has previously approved the recommendation. Today, the Committee for Economics and Business will decide whether the matter should be recommended for further consideration by the municipal council.

The container homes mark the first time a comprehensive municipal effort against homelessness in Tasiilaq and constitute a significant step in the work of securing housing for the most vulnerable citizens.

Sermersooq Municipality purchased 40 container homes, 30 of which will be used as youth housing.