Two poor families in Vinh Long receive new donor-funded homes

Two families facing severe financial hardship in Vinh Long Province have received newly built homes funded by donors through a charitable programme, with total support approaching VND 300 million (USD 11,538).

On September 23, Dantri Newspaper's Mekong Delta bureau, in coordination with the People's Committee of Tan Quoi Commune, held an inauguration ceremony for the two houses.

The beneficiaries were Nguyen Thanh Hai, 60, of Tan Bien Hamlet, and Duong Thanh Tuyen, 41, of Tan Vinh Hamlet. Both families have been affected by serious illnesses and lacked the financial means to repair or rebuild their homes.

Through the newspaper's charity programme, readers donated more than VND 120 million (USD 4,615) to support Hai's family and more than VND 140 million (USD 5,385) for Tuyen's family to construct new houses.

Speaking at the ceremony, Ly Van Nhan, vice chairman of the People's Committee of Tan Quoi Commune, expressed gratitude to Dantri readers for supporting disadvantaged residents in the area.

Nhan said each completed house not only provides a secure place to live but also serves as a source of encouragement for families striving to overcome hardship and improve their lives.

“The local government hopes the families will preserve and take care of their new homes and view this support as motivation to continue working towards a better future,” he said.

“On behalf of the commune leadership, I deeply appreciate the generosity of readers in Vietnam and abroad. This is a meaningful and practical programme that contributes to social welfare efforts in the locality.”

Standing before his new home, Hai became emotional as he thanked donors, local authorities and supporters for helping his family secure stable housing.

“I am deeply grateful for the kindness of Dantri readers, benefactors and local officials who made this house possible. I promise to take good care of it and live up to everyone's trust,” he said.

At the age of 60, after years of living in a temporary structure, Hai and his wife now have a solid home and no longer fear heavy rain or seasonal flooding.

Their previous prefabricated house sat on low ground and was frequently inundated during storms and high tides. Hai has suffered from severe pneumonia, has been unable to work for many years and requires respiratory support equipment once or twice a day.

His wife, Nguyen Thi Oanh, 51, earns a modest income selling vegetables while caring for her husband, daughter and grandchild. Financial difficulties and medical expenses left the family unable to save enough money to repair their home.

Thanks to donations exceeding VND 120 million (USD 4,615), the family was able to complete a new house before the annual high-tide season.

Hai and his wife's home before and after support from readers (Photo: Bao Ky).

Tuyen's family had also endured difficult living conditions. Their old house, though not affected by flooding, was built from wood and thatch and frequently leaked during rainstorms.

Her husband, Pham Cong Sanh, 47, has been battling liver cancer for nearly a year. The couple are supporting a son at university and a daughter in fifth grade.

The combined burden of daily living costs, medical treatment and education expenses had made the dream of building a durable home seem unattainable.

Tuyen's family home before and after support from readers (Photo: Bao Ky).

Using more than VND 140 million (USD 5,385) donated by readers, Tuyen's family built a single-storey house measuring five by 12 metres.

“After the first rains of the season, this is the first year I no longer worry about leaks damaging my children's books and clothes,” Tuyen said.