Charity program eases parental worries

Lower rents

Wang said the foundation launched its first accommodations project in Beijing in 2017 by searching for apartments in areas near hospitals.

In the Chinese capital, it has taken up a building with 10 apartments similar to those in Shanghai, and which is near two hospitals. It also has individual apartments near seven other hospitals specializing in children's diseases.

In Shanghai, the Xiaobu Home is situated in a white-walled building in an area where the government provide rents lower than the market average for young workers new to the city.

Wang said she initially preferred another small building closer to a hospital and located in a park, but finally abandoned this idea, as there was no kitchen.

"Cooking is important for these families, as the children need nutritious food. Some of them may also have special dietary requirements," she said.

Each room is equipped with a kitchenware disinfector and ultraviolet sterilizer, as the children, especially those who have just received a transplant, have low immunity levels and need a clean living environment.

"In many cases, these families would prefer to rent an apartment with others to reduce the cost, but very often such an arrangement is not suitable for these children, as it may trigger infection," Wang said.

She added that parents staying in the building communicate via a WeChat group, where they also post their requirements for visiting the hospital every morning. Volunteers then help book a taxi or minibus.

Wang said, "These parents shoulder a heavy burden due to their children's illness. When they ask for money, some of them are avoided by family and friends, and they may even face a marital crisis."