In recent years, local governments across Vietnam have launched significant initiatives aimed at eliminating temporary and dilapidated housing for disadvantaged households. A prominent example is the Yên Bình district in Yên Bái province, which has demonstrated significant progress in its housing improvement programs. Local authorities, led by Vice Chairwoman Hoàng Thị Duyên, have spearheaded efforts to provide stable homes for those living in substandard conditions. The initiative operates under the guiding principle of "No one shall be left behind,” which focuses on supporting poor and near-poor households in constructing safe and durable homes.
From 2021 to 2022, the district mobilized approximately 7 billion VND to assist 359 households that were either poor or near-poor. This financial support provided crucial help despite the absence of a provincial directive for housing projects during those years. In the subsequent 2023 initiative, the Yên Binh district coordinated with the provincial government to implement a housing support project targeting 188 needy households, further leveraging local resources.
Hoàng Thị Duyên reported that in 2024, a remarkable 98 poor and near-poor families received 800 million VND in support, a substantial boost from community-led fundraising efforts. Among these projects, particular attention was devoted to sanitation and infrastructure, where they constructed sanitary toilets for 101 households and provided significant funding to refurbish residences.
As of mid-March 2025, 109 out of 191 registered households began their construction projects, achieving 57.1% progress. Notably, 30 families of war veterans, 44 households classified as poor, and 35 near-poor families stepped forward to create a safe living environment, all funded through a combination of provincial and local resources.
However, the district does face challenges, particularly with households that have unique hardships, making it difficult for them to carry out their construction independently. Many of these families lack the means to manage construction logistics on their own, thus necessitating the involvement of community organizations and local authorities to ensure projects move forward smoothly.
Despite these hurdles, there remains widespread community support for these housing initiatives. Duyên noted the collective efforts of individuals donating labor and financially assisting families endeavoring to build new homes. This collaboration solidifies community ties and enhances social responsibility among residents.
Across various other regions in Vietnam, similar initiatives resonate. For instance, Bac Giang province approved plans for 813 households requiring assistance for new construction or repairs in 2025, with a total budget of nearly 39 billion VND allocated. Of the supported households, 477 are slated to receive new homes while 336 will undergo repairs. This endeavor is geared towards fostering sustainable living conditions aligned with the national goal of poverty eradication.
The provincial government specified that households under the temporary and dilapidated housing elimination program would receive 60 million VND each for new homes and 30 million VND for repairs, aiming to realize substantial advancements in housing by mid-2025.
In the areas of Quản Bạ district, the story unfolds similarly. In Mo Sai village, resident Vừ Thị Chở expressed gratitude after receiving a governmental subsidy of 60 million VND to construct a solid 77 square meter home. Her previous accommodations were, as she described, precarious and distressed. Her new home signifies not just a structural upgrade but a profound change in quality of life; it empowers her family to pursue employment opportunities and better living conditions.
Quản Bạ has completed the construction of 50 solid houses, exceeding their original timeline and demonstrating commendable organizational strength. The local government mobilized community labor, demonstrating how grassroots participation can lead to a collective goal of housing security.
Nevertheless, the district acknowledges ongoing challenges, such as addressing the needs of 425 remaining temporary homes slated for demolition. The local government remains resolute, aiming to capitalize on community-wide solidarity while overcoming existing infrastructural challenges. Their commitment adheres to the motto of equal contribution, where every resident is encouraged to support according to their capacity, creating a culture of mutual assistance.
The achievements in providing comprehensive housing solutions reflect a larger movement throughout Vietnam, as smaller communities and local governments align with national policies to combat poverty, improve living standards, and promote sustainable economic development. As districts work collaboratively, sharing resources, ideas, and labor, the future looks promising for those in need of a solid roof over their heads.
With continued commitment and innovation, the initiatives across Yên Bái, Bac Giang, and Quản Bạ districts underscore the effectiveness of community-driven efforts in fostering significant changes and transforming lives.
