In the heart of Dong Thap, a southern province of Vietnam, life has been a relentless challenge for Mrs. Thuan and her family. At 63 years old, she has endured loss, hardship, and poverty with quiet resilience. For years, she lived in a dilapidated wooden house that could barely shelter her family from the elements.

The passing of her husband five years ago left Mrs. Thuan as the sole caregiver for her two children. Her daughter, Trang, lives with intellectual disabilities caused by polio fever and the lasting effects of Agent Orange. Unable to speak, Trang’s gentle smile and gestures are her way of communicating. Her younger brother, Em, works tirelessly as a labourer in nearby rice fields, waking before dawn to earn a modest income to support the family.

For Mrs. Thuan, every day has been a test of strength. From peeling lotus seeds at home to care for Trang, to managing household responsibilities, her determination has held the family together. Yet, the strain of supporting her daughter’s medical needs and surviving on limited income made the dream of a safe, sturdy home seem impossibly out of reach…until now.

A New Beginning

Thanks to the generosity of people just like you, a team of construction experts and volunteers from Habitat for Humanity came together with a shared purpose: to provide Mrs. Thuan and her family with a new beginning. Over the course of a week, bricks were laid, sturdy walls were built, and a vision of hope came to life.

Mrs. Thuan worked alongside the volunteers, embodying the resilience and selflessness that defines her. Despite the sweltering 40 degree heat, she moved sand, tidied the worksite, and even prepared fresh fruit to keep spirits high. Her quiet strength inspired everyone around her.

New Home, New Hope

“I have never lived in a brick house before,” Mrs. Thuan shared, her voice filled with emotion. “I am so excited – I can hardly sleep at night!!”

Her new home now stands as a symbol of hope and security. Built with concrete pillars, sturdy brick walls, a tiled roof, and a cement floor, the house has been carefully designed to accommodate Trang’s needs, ensuring she can move safely within its walls.

For Mrs. Thuan, this is more than just a house – it’s the foundation of a brighter future.

Even the family’s neighbours and extended relatives have been moved by this transformation. Mrs. Thuan’s 87 year old aunt recalled a dream she had long ago: “I saw a vision that one day, they would live in a house with brick walls. They didn’t believe me, but now it has come true. I am so happy for them.”

This incredible change is possible because of people who believe in a world where everyone deserves a safe place to call home. Gifts in Wills – acts of kindness that outlive us – make stories like Mrs. Thuan’s a reality.

By including Habitat for Humanity in your Will, you can do wonders for families like hers, ensuring they have the strength, stability, and self-reliance that a safe home brings. Together, we can build brighter futures, one family at a time.

Your Will could do wonders. Change the world through shelter with a gift in your Will.