Hà Nội — Twenty seven poor households in Quảng Bình, Quảng Nam and Hậu Giang are expected to receive funds to build flood-resistant houses, bringing the total to 700 families over the past five years thanks to donations from the community.

Hoàng Yến, a co-ordinator from Nhà Chống Lũ (Flood Resistant House- FRH), said the project had so far allowed 3,500 locals to live in a safer environment.

The project will celebrate its five year anniversary on Sunday.

Founded in November 2013 with initial funding of VNĐ200 million raised from donors, to date the project has mobilised VNĐ30 billion from benefactors, painters, singers, business people and supporters nationwide, Yến said.

Nearly 40 painters donated artwork, 30 singers held fundraising concerts and 20 companies supplied construction materials. These efforts helped make it possible to build the houses. She added that many individuals donated household appliances.

Started from Hà Tĩnh and Quảng Bình where locals regularly faced with severe flood, FRH had successfully trial built FRH in these provinces and Quảng Ninh, Quảng Nam, Khánh Hòa, Sóc Trăng, Bến Tre, and Hậu Giang.

“We carefully researched and designed the FRH based on the potential for natural calamities in each locality, and talked with household owners about ways to prevent natural disasters so we could be confident in improving their living standards,” Yến said. 

After five years, Nhà Chống Lũ’s Sống Foundation was officially granted a licence on November 7 this year.

The foundation aims to help those affected by floods build safe houses and supports them to earn a stable living by promoting talents in science and technology. — VNS