Brother Ho Huu Loan, born in 1977 in Van Kieu Commune, still remembers a story his mother told him about the day he was born.

During childbirth, she experienced serious complications that put her life at risk. His family prayed to Saint Anthony, and she eventually gave birth safely.

As the eldest of 10 children in a Catholic family, Loan understood his parents' financial struggles from an early age.

He spent more than three years working in Malaysia, saving money and sending it home to help support his family and pay for his younger siblings' education.

In 2009, after returning to Vietnam, he decided to enter religious life, hoping to dedicate himself to serving God and caring for people living in poverty or struggling with illness.

"I wanted to become a religious brother, dedicate myself to God and devote my life to serving others, especially those facing difficult circumstances," Loan said."There are 10 children in my family, and three of my younger siblings also chose religious life to dedicate themselves to serving the poor."

An Ton Shelter, located in Hamlet 2 of Van Kieu Commune and belonging to Con Moc Parish, began operating in early 2022.

It has since become a home for 63 male residents aged approximately nine to 75.

According to Loan, caring for people with severe illnesses or disabilities who cannot manage their daily activities independently requires extraordinary patience and dedication.

Some residents are bedridden and need assistance with virtually everything, while others struggle to control their behavior.

"Some cannot control their bodily functions, so wherever they go, we have to clean up after them. For those confined to bed, the brothers have to get up during the night to change their diapers," he explained.

Despite the difficulties, the brothers often find happiness in small moments: a smile, a greeting or a gradual improvement in someone who once withdrew from others or struggled with behavioral difficulties.

Seeing residents become calmer, more sociable and increasingly willing to help others makes their efforts worthwhile.

Finding happiness and stability at the shelter

Ho Duc Luan arrived at An Ton Shelter about two years ago after experiencing hallucinations, agitation and difficulty controlling his behavior.

With continued care, his mental condition gradually stabilized.

He became more outgoing and now frequently enjoys singing, a change that brings encouragement to those caring for him.

Another resident, 17-year-old Nguyen Van Anh, has experienced considerable hardship.

Originally from the former Nghi Loc District, Anh has been deaf and unable to speak since childhood.

Two years ago, his mother died in an accident while six months pregnant.

The tragedy left Anh and his father emotionally devastated.

Relatives eventually brought both of them to An Ton Shelter, hoping they could receive the care and support they needed.

After some time, Anh's father's condition improved sufficiently for him to return home, while the teenager remained at the shelter.

Once withdrawn and reluctant to communicate, Anh has gradually become more cheerful, active and engaged with those around him.Despite his hearing and speech impairments, he now willingly helps others with daily activities.

At mealtimes, he quickly steps forward to serve rice to other residents.

"Seeing Anh gradually integrate into the community and become happy again makes us happy too," Loan said.

Vu Van Quy, 54, has also found stability and a sense of belonging at the shelter.

More than three years ago, his wife disappeared after leaving home to visit a market.

Despite years of searching by the family, there has been no information about her whereabouts.

Overwhelmed by grief, Quy began drinking heavily, experienced a severe decline in his mental health and subsequently developed a mental illness.

After being admitted to An Ton Shelter, his physical and mental condition gradually improved.

He is now able to help the brothers with construction work, plastering walls and maintaining the shelter's facilities.

"I feel warm and cared for here. I can help the brothers with painting, plastering and repairs," Quy said. "I don't intend to return home. I want to stay with the brothers, serve others and help people at the shelter."

Among the younger residents is 13-year-old Nguyen Van Long, who is deaf, unable to speak and has hyperactivity-related difficulties.

His parents separated, leaving his mother to raise the children while coping with heart disease.

Despite her health problems, she works wherever possible, including washing dishes at restaurants, to earn money for the family.

Her two other children also have health problems.

Long has lived at An Ton Shelter for nearly two years.

His mother can visit only occasionally because she must continue working to support the family.

In the absence of regular care from relatives, the religious brothers look after his meals, daily routines and other needs, providing the attention and affection he requires.

A home sustained by compassion and community support

According to Loan, An Ton Shelter prioritizes people living in poverty, orphans, homeless individuals and those whose families have exhausted their resources caring for sick relatives.

The shelter relies primarily on donations from benefactors.

Some contribute rice, while others bring vegetables, meat or fish. Certain residents also receive social assistance allowances that help cover living expenses.

Residents whose health has stabilized and who are capable of working are encouraged to participate in communal activities or take on occasional jobs for local people.

The goal is to help them gradually regain independence and contribute to the community rather than remain entirely dependent on others.