Formal opening of Andrasstaðir  

A new rural home for people with multiple needs

A new residential facility for seven individuals with multiple needs was formally opened at Hólalandi on Kjalarnes last week. Throughout the development of the resource, the aim was to create an environment and conditions where life's challenges are tackled based on each individual's own premises, strengths, abilities and interests. The first spadeful was taken in May 2021 and the first three of the seven residents have already moved in.   

It is the municipalities of Hafnarfjörður, Mosfellsbær and the City of Reykjavík, in collaboration with enthusiastic and driven individuals, who have made the dream of Andrastaðir a reality.

A philosophy designed to boost self-confidence, strengthen willpower and increase patience.  

Preparations for the development and operation of Andrasstaðir have been underway for many years, and the plans always included the development of a „country home“. The idea first arose from the work of Ásgarður workshop, a vocational and training service established in 1993, which focuses on working with and developing the human element of work. The professional aims of Ásgarður are rooted in the educational theories of Rudolf Steiner, which do not see disability as a problem but as an opportunity, and hold that within every person there is a healthy core that can be worked with. The ideology behind Andrastaða is arguably the same: that individuals with multiple challenges should be given the opportunity to flourish and find their place in life. 

There is a great need for accommodation for this group.  

There is a great need for residential solutions for this group of individuals, and waiting lists for housing for people with specific support needs in the municipalities. This is therefore an important addition to the resources currently available. The municipalities of Hafnarfjörður, Mosfellsbær and Reykjavík each entered into an agreement with the non-profit organisation EMBLU regarding the forthcoming service. Andrastaðir hses was responsible for building the core, and the flats are allocated in cooperation between the three municipalities. It is these municipalities in the capital region, in collaboration with enthusiastic and driven individuals, who have made the dream of Andrastaðir a reality.  

Photographs: The City of Reykjavik