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GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - The Alexander Laing Hall in Kroonvale, a place of safety for the homeless during lockdown, is now also a haven for rehabilitating addicts.
The homeless welcomed the two-week extension of the lockdown period, as they get decent meals three times a day, play games, and even exercise.
However, many challenges have to be overcome, as some suffer severe drug withdrawal symptoms. Following visits from social services, daily doctor's visits, good management and plenty of welcome donations, the addicts have started to recover.
They have made friends and many refer to their co-lodgers as family.
They watch television together, play games like dominoes and cards, and socialise in a square behind a locked gate, with only the security guard who has a key to let people in and out.
Photo gallery: Homeless find shelter in Kroonvale
The new residents have to follow the house rules, making beds in the morning, no drugs, no fighting and have to support and respect each other. The rules are set out on a poster on the wall.
Gift of the Givers delivers water to the haven daily. Photo: Christo Vermaak
Behind the scenes, people like Corene Conradie and her Gift of the Givers team, as well as Azeem Akram from PakFoods, are busy from early until late to prepare food for the residents three times a day.
Donations from other individuals and businesses have also been forthcoming.
Karoo Catch also donated food to the haven.
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