Acting on the growing need in Nigel, Freedom Recovery Centre has opened a new men’s shelter to support recovering addicts and tackle homelessness.
Nigel, South Africa (20 July 2026) – Freedom Recovery Centre has opened the doors to a new men’s shelter in Nigel. The shelter will serve as a space for people experiencing homelessness and addiction to begin rebuilding their lives.
The new shelter is a step forward in the centre’s growing support network, which already includes a substance abuse day clinic, soup kitchen and outpatient centre, along with a church that welcomes people in recovery, those still struggling with addiction, their families and members of the wider Nigel community.
The decision to open the shelter came after the team saw an increasing need in the town, where more than 130 people are believed to be homeless and battling addiction at any given time. Combined with the winter conditions many people are facing, the need for safe accommodation became impossible to ignore.
“Today marks a monumental day for our community! We are officially opening the doors to the Freedom Recovery Centre Shelter. This is not just a building; it is a safe haven for second chances, healing, and restoration.” the centre shared, over the weekend.
The team says the shelter is a natural extension of the work they have been doing through their existing programmes which help people stay on the path to recovery after leaving rehabilitation while also providing support to those who are not yet ready to take that step.
“Seeing this vision come to life fills my heart with so much joy. To anyone looking for a fresh start, please remember: Where there is life, there is hope. We are here, and we are ready to walk this beautiful journey of recovery with you.”
Freedom Recovery Centre is a registered rehabilitation facility in Gauteng built around the philosophy of ‘loving people back to life.’ The centre combines evidence-based treatment, including cognitive behavioural therapy, psychotherapy and the 12-step recovery programme, with support from a multidisciplinary team of social workers, counsellors, nurses, psychologists, occupational therapists and psychiatrists.
The opening of the shelter is an important milestone in the Nigal community, which brings much-needed support and lasting hope to people working to overcome the difficult battle with addiction.
“Recovery takes a village, and this shelter is going to be a beacon of light for so many people who are ready to do the work. Always remember: It works if you work it, so work it, you are worth it!”
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