Lars Peter gets container home: I cried when I got the keys

Thursday, January 22, Lars Peter will never forget Sanimuinaq.

After six months as homeless, the municipality called him with a message that changed everything: He had got a container home. He almost ran to the municipality.

“I cried and shouted when I got the keys. I was so happy that I cried all the way to my new home,” he says. Even today, he is moved when he thinks back.

Lars Peter is 39 years old and grew up in Tasiilaq. Six months ago, he lived with his son's mother, but he could no longer stay. Suddenly, he was left without a place to live. A long and hard period began, during which he slept on sofas at family and friends' houses and constantly had to find new places to stay.

– It was very hard. I was filled with anger during those months. When you call the municipality and ask for help, it feels like nothing is happening, he says.

Fatigue and hunger

For months, he had a hard everyday life characterized by fatigue and hunger.

– During that time as homeless, I went through many difficult things.

When he looks back, he remembers the worst days in particular.

– The worst was when I was outside for three days without sleeping or eating. Fortunately, there were also days when I could sleep with an acquaintance during the day until he got time off work.

Lars Peter's son is now seven years old and has understood more than his father would have liked.

– He cried with pity because he knew I had nowhere to go.

After Lars Peter got a container home, the situation has changed.

– My dear son is much more secure now because he knows I have a place to come home to.

I avoided crime

Lars Peter is not an alcoholic and, according to himself, only drinks a couple of times a year.

– I have sought shelter with alcoholics and people who drink. When there was space, I have slept on a friend's couch, especially when the weather was bad, but sometimes I had to sleep outside, says Lars Peter.

Some nights he has also had to spend the night in an icy warehouse at his former workplace. When the days were really tough, he even thought about crime.

– I sometimes wrote on Facebook that I might be happy if I went to prison. Those who are there have beds, bathrooms and a place to be.

He is deeply grateful that he did not follow that path.

– I came through it strong and without committing any crime. I do not regret staying on the right track. The wise words from the priest during our conversations have undoubtedly also had an impact, he says.

I no longer smell

Lars Peter used to work at fish factories in North Greenland. He went to North Greenland every year, most recently in 2021, but his son started to miss him a lot.

Since then, he has worked in different places in Tasiilaq, but he found it difficult to work without a permanent home.

– I had a job and wanted to work, but my clothes smelled, and I didn't shower that often. I was ashamed, and that's why I didn't want to work for a long time, he says.

– Now that I no longer smell, am full and no longer cry, I'm happy, says Lars Peter.

It's clear that he enjoys being able to keep himself clean after moving into the container home.

– I clean almost the entire room and do the laundry every day. After I've eaten, I also sweep every time, says Lars Peter with a little laugh.

Get a job quickly

The eight occupied container homes will soon be expanded with two more. The housing shortage and homelessness in Tasiilaq are so great that over 30 people are on the waiting list for the containers.

– I know several people who are in the same situation as me, but who still don’t have a home, says Lars Peter.

Although he is happy to have found a place to live, he says that his body still has difficulty finding peace. After moving in, he began to consider looking for work, and last week he was suddenly contacted by his former workplace.

He was asked if he would like to work as a night shift worker in Pilersuisoq’s bakery, and without hesitation he said yes.

– It’s good to get out among people and not just stay at home. I have also worked with my current colleagues before, and we laugh a lot, says Lars Peter with a relieved voice.

If he does well in his temporary position, there is a possibility of a permanent position, and he wants to show what he can do.

The container homes can be inhabited for a maximum of two years, and it is a requirement to be registered as a housing seeker. Getting your own home is Lars Peter's next goal.

– I always hope to get my own home and a permanent job. Getting my own home is always on my mind, concludes Lars Peter.