Innovation in residential services for people with disabilities

The first residential complex of its kind in the country

A landmark agreement signed at the beginning of 2019 has become a reality with the relocation of residents to new and beautiful homes in a residential cluster at Stuðlaskörður in Hafnarfjörður. The service agreement between the City of Hafnarfjörður and the operating company Vinabær is unprecedented and involves an adapted and specialised residential service where the service users themselves have a direct influence on the priorities and direction of the service provided. The residents, who are also great friends, moved in recently, straight from their parents' homes. 

^{All six residents gave a welcoming reception to town representatives and other guests when the residential community was formally opened.} 

„This moment and this initiative by a group of individuals in collaboration with their town is a good example of progress and innovation in services for disabled people, which are designed to ensure equal opportunities for living on the basis of the individuals“ own choices. In this case, it is a group of six friends who dreamt of living in close proximity to one another, with homes they could design and create themselves, and services tailored to the needs of each individual. This is a specific model for a new and exciting form of housing, where the individuals themselves are in control and set the agenda. A brilliant and exemplary idea has become a reality," says Rósa Guðbjartsdóttir, Mayor of Hafnarfjörður, at the formal opening of the residential cluster yesterday.

^{The residents have spent the past few days settling into their new accommodation. Exceptionally cosy and beautiful apartments, characterised by the style and spirit of each resident.}  

The residents themselves and their families own the management company Vinabær.

The first sod was cut for the group's future accommodation in March 2021 and now, just over a year later, the group has moved into a new and splendid residential centre. The operating company Vinabær, which is owned by the residents themselves and their families, was established around the initiative and has overseen the construction of the premises and the assessment of service needs, as well as being strongly and clearly involved in the recruitment of staff for the residential community. A service agreement between Vinabær and the City of Hafnarfjörður is intended to meet the residents' service needs and provide them with the best possible service in specialised housing that can be provided at any given time. The City Council of Hafnarfjörður agreed at its meeting on 9 January 2019 to enter into a contract with Vinabær.

^{A parent representative presents Indriði Björnsson with a bouquet of flowers for his great and valuable contribution to the project. Indriði is the father of one of the residents and chairman of Vinabær, which owns and operates Stuðlaskarð. Smiling in the background is Margrét Vala Marteinsdóttir, director of Stuðlaskarð.}

Hafnarfjörður warmly congratulates new residents and their families on their new homes. We look forward to watching the group grow and flourish even more in their beautiful new place in independent living.  

Vinabær takes the first spadeful – announcement on the website, 23 March 2021 

Landmark agreement with Twin Town signed – announcement on website 20 February 2019