Thien, 61, from Que Phong Commune, lived in a 20-square-metre temporary shelter built in 2002. Over the years, the house had fallen into serious disrepair.
Work starts on Thien's new house on June 16. (Photo by Binh An)
Often unwell and unable to work, she relies mainly on government assistance and has no means to rebuild her home. Her only wish was to have a safe and sturdy place to shield her from storms and the summer heat.
After her story was featured on Dantri/DTiNews, readers quickly stepped in to help.
The new house will cost nearly VND 130 million (around USD 5,200), with over VND 67 million donated by Dantri/DTiNews readers. The remaining funding comes from Que Son District’s programme to eliminate temporary housing.
“I’m so happy to have a proper home finally. I sincerely thank Dantri/DTiNews readers for their kind support,” Thien said.
Thien and her old house (Photo by Binh An)
Construction of the house is expected to be completed within a month.
As part of the national campaign to eradicate makeshift and dilapidated housing, Dantri/DTiNews has set a target of building 200 houses for poor and disadvantaged households across Vietnam by the end of this year. Since April 2024, the newspaper has launched the construction of 131 homes, with 118 already completed and handed over.