Disabled mother and mentally ill daughter receive new home

After years in a severely run-down 20-square-metre house, a disabled mother and her mentally ill daughter in Dien Bien now have a safe, sturdy home thanks to Dantri readers.

Lu Thi Minh, 68, from Hon Sang Village, Muong Ang Commune, Dien Bien Province, is severely deaf and unable to work. Her 33-year-old daughter, Lu Thi Phuc, has a mental illness.

The mother and daughter had relied on social welfare payments and support from neighbours to get by. Their old house, built in 2009, had deteriorated badly, with damp, mouldy walls and a leaking roof.

After Dantri published a story about the family's circumstances, readers and donors contributed VND 150.97 million (USD 5,812). The Thien Tam Fund provided a further VND 20 million (USD 770), bringing total support to VND 170.97 million (USD 6,582).

The money arrived at a critical time, allowing Minh to pay for treatment for her daughter while also covering the cost of building a sturdy new home.

Local officials and residents of Hon Sang Village contributed labour to build and complete the house.

They also helped the family buy and arrange essential household items, including tables and chairs, a bed, a wardrobe and a water tank.

On moving day, Minh was too moved to put her gratitude into words. Her gestures, eyes and smile conveyed her thanks to those who had reached out to help.

Lo Thi Minh, deputy chairwoman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee in Muong Ang Commune, expressed her appreciation to Dantri readers and donors for supporting the family.

“The new house gives the mother and daughter a safe place to live and helps them build a more stable life,” Minh said.