Vot's six-member family faces significant hardship, with three members who are elderly or living with disabilities. Her elderly mother-in-law suffers from chronic health problems, while her disabled uncle has been bedridden for years and relies entirely on family members for daily care. Vot herself has a disability affecting her right hand, leaving her unable to grasp objects.
Vot and her two sons in their spacious new home (Photo: Dinh Tung).
As a result, the family's financial burden falls almost entirely on her husband, Hoang Van Bong, who works as a seasonal factory worker in Bac Ninh province. After covering rent, food and other living expenses, he is able to send home only VND 1-2 million (approximately USD 38-76) each month.
The family's old stilt house had fallen into severe disrepair, with a leaking roof and warped wooden walls. During heavy rain, the interior offered little protection from the weather, forcing Vot to hold her two young children tightly while waiting for the storm to pass.
After the family's story was published by Dantri/Dtinews, readers and philanthropists donated nearly VND 155 million (approximately USD 5,920). Local authorities also provided VND 60 million (approximately USD 2,290), enabling the family to build a new home.
The house was completed in May 2025.
The home of Hoang Thi Vot and her husband before and now (Photo: Huyen Nguyen - Dinh Tung).
Vot said that without the support of Dantri readers, local authorities and neighbours, she and her husband could never have imagined owning such a safe and spacious home.
Rotting wooden walls have been replaced with solid brick ones (Photo: Thuy Huong - Dinh Tung).
Hoang Van Danh, Party Cell Secretary and head of Ban So Village, recalled that when construction began, neighbours and relatives volunteered to transport bricks, cement and other building materials while Bong was away working.
Speaking from Bac Ninh, Bong said the total construction cost reached VND 539 million (approximately USD 20,580). In addition to the financial assistance received, the family borrowed money from a bank and relatives to complete the project.
The family still owes more than VND 200 million (approximately USD 7,630). Nevertheless, the couple remain determined to work hard and gradually repay the debt.
"Most importantly, we now have a solid home where we no longer have to worry about storms or the bitter cold each winter," Bong said.
