Nguyen Thi Hoa (left) besides the owner of the free lodging facility Nguyen Thi Kieu Oanh
"Like a luxury hotel."
On the morning of February 25, Nguyen Thi Hoa (62, from the northern province of Hoa Binh) accompanied her husband to Hanoi for chemotherapy. Unlike their earlier struggles to find accommodation, she headed straight to a free lodging facility in Alley 4, Cau Buou Street, Thanh Tri District this time.
Hoa entered the spacious and familiar room, selected an empty bed, and helped her husband rest in preparation for the following day's treatment.
"I was the first guest of this lodging house, and I have stayed here more than ten times," Hoa shared.
In September last year, when her husband was diagnosed with tongue cancer and admitted to National K Tan Trieu Hospital, aside from medical expenses, she had to spend an additional VND2–4 million monthly on accommodation. Through an acquaintance, she learned about a free lodging facility run by Nguyen Thi Kieu Oanh. Luckily, there was still space, allowing her to save significantly for her husband's treatment.
"The accommodation has bunk beds with clean bedding, a kitchen, a fridge, a washing machine, a water purifier, and hot water. It feels like a luxury hotel—something impoverished patients like us never dared to dream of," Hoa said.
Opposite Hoa's bed was Ly Van Thuong (28, from Thai Nguyen Province), a colon cancer patient. Thuong shared that his family was struggling financially, and he could only afford to rent a bed for VND100,000 per night while relying on charity meals. During cold days, his condition worsened, and his rudimentary lodging only exacerbated his suffering.
Upon learning about the free accommodation, Thuong immediately called to explain his situation and was accepted by Oanh.
"I never expected to find a place this clean and fully equipped without spending a single penny," he said. Thanks to this facility, he now saves VND1–2 million each trip to Hanoi, easing the burden on his family back home.
Finding joy in charity work
Speaking to Dantri, Nguyen Thi Kieu Oanh shared that she opened the free lodging house in September 2024. Initially, she planned to start a charity kitchen, but after visiting K Hospital and seeing numerous groups providing free meals, she realised that what patients truly needed was a temporary place to stay to reduce their financial burden.
"I grew up poor. My parents suffered from tuberculosis, and I had to beg for food while living under a bridge. Later, when they were diagnosed with cancer, I, too, had to sleep in hospital corridors. I understand the hardship of having a sick family member travelling far for treatment without a place to stay," Oanh shared.
She then used her sister's house for the free lodging project. Renting it for VND5 million per month, she invested an additional VND100 million to renovate the flooring, upgrade the electrical and plumbing systems, and purchase bunk beds, bedding, and essential household items.
The free lodging house has been opened since September 2024
"I bought four bunk beds from a clinic. When they learned about my charity work, they refunded me as a donation," Oanh recalled. Once this was completed, she spread information on social media and distributed flyers outside the hospital to reach those in need.
She receives dozens of calls for assistance every day. She does not have strict conditions and welcomes anyone in need. Most patients stay for a few days to a week.
"Some families request long-term stays, even accommodating five or ten people at once, but I have to decline," she explained. If too many people stay for extended periods, others in need might miss out, and the facilities may not be sufficient for prolonged accommodation.
To maintain the lodging house, Oanh spends VND500,000 to VND1 million monthly on utilities, occasionally replacing broken items to ensure convenience for patients and their families.
Despite her busy schedule, she regularly visits the lodging house to talk with patients and offer encouragement.
"I never see what I do as extraordinary. But I believe that small acts of kindness can make a real difference," she said.
Her family initially opposed her decision, calling her crazy for taking on strangers' problems. However, she remained steadfast, believing that helping others is a duty and a source of immense joy and fulfilment.
Her biggest dream is to one day establish a free nursing home for elderly people without family support, providing them with a place to live happily in their final years.
