A family in Phu Tho Province has begun a new chapter after community donations helped fund the construction of a permanent home and provide medical treatment for a man battling chronic illness.
Hoang Ngoc Thong, born in 1979 and living in Yen Lap Commune, now resides with his family in a newly built house on a hillside, a dramatic change from the deteriorating shelter they previously called home.
Thanks to contributions from Dantri readers and Khang Nguyen Infrastructure Construction Investment JSC, Thong's family has been able to build a spacious, sturdy new home (Photo: Huong Hong).
Thong had been living in severe hardship while suffering from multiple large tumours that caused persistent pain and limited his ability to work. His son also requires regular hospital treatment for an ongoing medical condition.
With no stable source of income, the family struggled to cover daily expenses, medical bills and housing repairs.
Thong's old house had badly deteriorated (Photo: Huong Hong).
Thong once had to remain at home enduring pain (Photo: Huong Hong).
After the family's situation was highlighted by Dantri Newspaper, readers and donors responded with financial support.
Through the newspaper's charity programme, the family received a total of VND 417.4 million (about USD 16,000), including VND 250 million (about USD 9,600) donated by Khang Nguyen Infrastructure Construction Investment Joint Stock Company.
The funds enabled the construction of a new 120-square-metre house containing three bedrooms and a living room.
Speaking from his new home, Thong expressed gratitude to donors, the company, local authorities and readers who contributed to the family's recovery.
"I do not know how to express my thanks. Thanks to everyone's support, my family now has a home that we once only dreamed of," he said.
After receiving full hospital treatment, Thong recovered his health and now works alongside his wife to care for the family (Photo: Huong Hong).
In addition to providing housing, the donations helped Thong and his son continue receiving medical care and treatment as prescribed by doctors.
Thong said his health had improved significantly. The pain had eased, he was eating and sleeping better, and he had regained the strength to return to work and help support his family alongside his wife.
"After treatment, I am no longer in pain and my health has improved. I can work again. With good health, I will continue working hard to raise my children and honour the kindness shown to my family," he said.
Thong's family feels more secure living in the charity house (Photo: Huong Hong).
Nguyen Xuan Ngoc, head of Doan Ket residential area in Yen Lap Commune, said Thong's family had long been among the most disadvantaged households in the community.
According to Ngoc, the family's circumstances were especially difficult because of Thong's illness, his son's medical needs and the poor condition of their former home, which they could not afford to repair.
He said support from Dantri readers and charitable donors had brought meaningful and lasting improvements, providing the family with safe housing, access to healthcare and a stronger foundation to rebuild their lives.