The groundbreaking ceremony was organised by Dantri Newspaper in coordination with local authorities in Xuan Lanh Commune, Dak Lak Province on March 20.
Dao Van Chin, 75, has been caring for his three sons, aged between 30 and 50, all of whom live with disabilities. One has been paralysed since childhood, another suffers from mental illness and often wanders, while the third has severe diabetes and has lost a leg.
The family survives mainly on social assistance of about VND 2.25 million (about USD 90) per month, supplemented by small-scale livestock support from the state.
They have been living in a severely deteriorated house, with leaks and structural damage affecting daily life. For years, Chin’s greatest wish was to repair or rebuild the home, but the family lacked the means.
After their story was published by Dantri, readers contributed nearly VND 164 million (about USD 6,400), with a further VND 10 million (about USD 390) donated directly by benefactors.
The funds will be used to build a new 68-square-metre house, including three bedrooms and a living room. Construction is expected to be completed within six weeks.
Speaking at the ceremony, Chin said the family had never imagined being able to build a new home, given their financial and health challenges.
“With a solid house, we will no longer worry every time it rains or storms,” he said.
Local officials praised the newspaper’s charity programme for its tangible impact on disadvantaged households and expressed hope it would continue to expand its support.
The initiative forms part of a broader campaign to eliminate temporary and unsafe housing across Vietnam. Since April 2024, Dantri has launched construction on 254 homes nationwide, with 219 already completed.
Beyond housing, the programme has also supported the construction of classrooms and rural infrastructure, provided flood-resistant homes and delivered free healthcare services to thousands of people, alongside health insurance support for disadvantaged students.