Updated 8pm 

A home for recovering drug addicts to better transition back into society has opened its doors in Mosta.

The home - Dar Charles Miceli - part of projects by Caritas and the government, will make it possible for those who would have received therapeutic care to also receive assistance as they work on re-engaging with society.

Speaking at the official opening on Friday afternoon, Caritas head Leonid McKay said this was an important phase that made existing programmes more effective.

"Residents have been asking for more investment on this. Transition between being on the inside and the outside is tough and the first two years are crucial," Mr McKay said.

Charles Miceli died last month.

Residents will be offered a semi-permanent home for up to three months, with the running of the home being funded by the government.

On the name of the home, Mr McKay said that it was chosen to honour the legacy of Mr Miceli who passed away recently and he was well-known for giving a voice to those who were most in need.

Family and Social Solidarity Minister Michael Falzon said that despite poverty figures going down in recent years, more work was needed and that is why the government was investing €200,000 a year in the running of the new home.

Echoing similar comments, Archbishop Charles Scicluna, who inaugurated the home, welcomed the move, insisting that such projects were important, highlighting aftercare as crucial to people's recovery.

"I thank the government and minister Michael Falzon for believing in such initiatives, not just on behalf of residents but on behalf of society as a whole," the Archbishop said. 

Archbishop Scicluna was enthusiastic about plans to integrate the home into the Mosta community, saying everyone had a duty to wipe away their prejudices and have faith in people's ability to overcome difficult times.