After nearly a month of construction, the new home of Dao Van Chin and his sons in Xuan Lanh Commune is taking shape.
Chin was featured in a Dantri/Dtinews report highlighting the family’s extreme hardship. Donations from readers through the outlet’s charity programme have reached nearly VND 175 million (approximately USD 7,000), with an additional VND 10 million (approximately USD 400) given directly by donors.
Using the funds, the family decided to build a new house to replace the deteriorating shelter they had lived in for decades.
Inside Chin's old house (Photo: Trung Thi).
Chin said that during past rainy seasons, the ageing structure posed constant danger after more than 20 years of use. In late 2025, strong winds tore off roof tiles, nearly injuring members of the family.
The new house, covering 68 square metres, includes three bedrooms, a living room and a kitchen, with tiled flooring and a solid roof. Construction has completed the main structure and is now entering the finishing phase.
To reduce costs, the family reused materials such as old roof tiles and wooden doors, while local residents contributed labour, significantly lowering overall expenses.
Chin's house from above (Photo: Trung Thi).
Chin said he had never imagined being able to live in a sturdy home at his age, expressing deep gratitude to Dantri readers for helping make it possible.
According to Truong Thai Hoa, chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front in Xuan Lanh Commune, the house is built with reinforced concrete pillars, tiled roofing and proper flooring, ensuring long term living conditions. It is expected to be completed in early May.
Chin uses white cement to fill gaps between wall tiles (Photo: Trung Thi).
Despite his age, Chin remains the sole caregiver for his three sons. One has been paralysed since childhood, another suffers from mental illness and frequently wanders, while the third has severe diabetes and has lost one leg.
Previously, the family lived in a severely degraded house with termite damaged wood, cracked walls and a leaking roof that made daily life difficult during heavy rain.
The household currently relies mainly on social assistance of about VND 2.25 million per month (approximately USD 90), along with a breeding cow provided by the state.
Support from Dantri/Dtinews readers has enabled the family to finally realise their long held hope of a safe and stable home.
