Flooded interior of a Phnom Penh family home during heavy rain, highlighting urgent housing needs

Sao Sary Foundation Responds to Urgent Housing Crisis for Flood-Affected Family in Phnom Penh

PRESS RELEASE - Sao Sary Foundation Extends Dignity-Centered Support to Flood-Affected Family in Phnom Penh

Kampong Speu, Cambodia – September 19, 2025

Sao Sary Foundation is proud to announce its engagement in a new case involving a vulnerable Cambodian family living in extreme conditions in Phnom Penh. The family, whose home floods even during light rainfall, was brought to our attention by Mr. Sam Patel, a private individual who has been providing monthly financial support to help them meet basic needs.

The family owns the land they reside on, yet their dwelling remains dangerously exposed to the elements. Recent photos shared by the youngest daughter, Annie, reveal severe flooding inside the home—posing serious risks to health, safety, and dignity. Annie, despite limited English proficiency, has been a steady point of contact and is now connected with our team via Telegram.

Mr. Patel’s vision for the family is both compassionate and strategic: a multi-pronged safety net that includes housing security, educational continuity for the grandchildren, and vocational opportunities for the unemployed son. His monthly contribution of $200 has already made a tangible impact—ensuring access to food, hygiene supplies, and school attendance, and sparking a shift from quiet despair to cautious hope.

In response, Sao Sary Foundation has initiated coordination with trusted partners, including Eric Lyons of Hope for the Silent Voices, whose orphanage in Phnom Penh supports over 40 young girls. We are exploring whether aspects of his mission can be extended to support this family or inform a replicable model for urban intervention.

Additionally, our team is working with government contacts to investigate why this family has not received formal assistance despite their evident vulnerability. We are currently seeking access to the family’s official household documentation and the contact information of their local village chief to facilitate this inquiry.

This case reflects Sao Sary Foundation’s enduring commitment to dignity-centered, community-rooted support. With over 19 years of experience, we continue to mobilize multi-sector partnerships to ensure that no family falls through the cracks.

We invite our community, partners, and supporters to follow this journey and lend their voices, resources, and expertise as we work toward sustainable solutions.

For media inquiries or partnership interest:

📧 info@sosaryfoundation.org

🌐 www.sosaryfoundation.org