In the provinces of Phú Thọ and beyond, significant initiatives are underway to eradicate temporary and dilapidated housing as part of efforts to support vulnerable communities in Vietnam. The campaign, driven by government directives, aims to convert these precarious dwellings into sturdy homes, boosting living conditions for the underprivileged.
Phú Thọ’s strategic move comes from the recognition of the urgent need for housing stability among its residents. In 2025, the province set an ambitious goal to eradicate 3,372 temporary houses, with plans for 2,016 new builds and 1,356 repairs to existing structures. Since the campaign commenced at the start of the year, a remarkable 811 houses have been either constructed or repaired thus far. Funding has been a pivotal focus, and nearly 162 billion VND is projected for the project, with over 150 billion VND already mobilized from various sources, showcasing the community's united efforts.
According to the Prime Minister’s commitment to the initiative, emphasizing, “The eradication of temporary and dilapidated houses is a deeply humane program and an important political task.” The plea is for a collective mobilization where every level of government and every community member is encouraged to partake in delivering results. Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính urged all sectors to express solidarity and actively contribute to the cause where localities, community members, and civil organizations join forces to materialize the plan effectively.
In line with these efforts, Phú Thọ's government has announced financial aid: 60 million VND for new house constructions, and 30 million VND for refurbishing existing dilapidated homes. Notably, households classified as poor and without stable incomes can receive financial assistance up to 130 million VND through the local “For the Poor” fund. Reports indicate that because of these support frameworks, 150 houses have benefited veterans under the national revolution program, and 36 houses have been funded through a socioeconomic development initiative designed for ethnic minorities.
Community action has also involved collective efforts from local youth. In March 2025, a significant event known as “Youth Month” saw Phú Thọ's young population take a proactive role in supporting families facing housing hardships. Local youth groups mobilized to assist not just through labor but also through financial contributions to help build homes for those less fortunate. The Provincial Youth Union notably extended assistance by supporting the costs for demolishing two temporary houses, further epitomizing the youth's commitment to their community.
The story isn't confined to Phú Thọ; throughout Vietnam, similar initiatives are taking shape. For instance, in Kon Tum province, a campaign was successfully organized on March 23, 2025, attracting over 2,700 young participants to contribute to rural infrastructure improvement as well as temporary housing eradication. Activities included extensive cleanup drives, planting thousands of trees, upgrading rural roads, and providing families with essential support to dismantle old houses. The collaboration resulted in collecting 4.8 tons of waste, nurturing 5,000 newly planted trees, and even lighting up streets to foster safe nighttime travel.
In areas like Hòa Tiến, Đà Nẵng, the implementation of a planned effort described as the “120 days and nights action plan” aims to clear temporary structures, with community teams volunteering to assist those in need. Local authorities noted that the urgency of these improvements was amplified by the recognition that 26 houses were in dire need of construction while another 14 needed urgent repairs. Volunteer students and local groups, inspired by this initiative, arrived daily to assist with construction, reflecting the spirit of unity and volunteerism.
Moreover, the youth from Hương Khê district in Hà Tĩnh have positively impacted their local initiatives. The district has identified 201 dilapidated houses requiring new builds or renovations. From fundraising efforts to facilitating labor, over 3,000 youth volunteers, represented in 150 different teams, mobilized to engage with families to clear or repair living spaces.
Stepping beyond just physical structures, the community-vetted approaches reflect a collective recognition of the importance of sustainable living conditions. For families subject to severe socioeconomic challenges, these initiatives mean access to safer environments, a boost in self-worth, and renewed hope for the future. Nguyễn Văn Việt, a 19-year-old from Đà Nẵng who is part of the initiative shares, “I never dreamt of having a solid home. I truly appreciate the support from everyone, their willingness to help in any way they can gives me hope.”
As the provinces continue to work diligently towards these housing goals, the broader narrative of collective action driven by empathy and local commitment becomes paramount. From the escalation of housing projects to the rise of youth participation, Vietnam's response not only lays the groundwork for safer communities but also embodies the spirit of togetherness and resilience where every participant can play a crucial role in uplifting their neighbors. The road to eradication of temporary housing may still be challenging, yet the unwavering resolve seen across provinces suggests a future grounded in compassion and support for all.
