Since its launch, communities across villages and hamlets have joined hands to help poor and near-poor households build new, solid homes. These houses not only offer families a stable place to live but also embody the values of compassion and community solidarity.

At 5 a.m., after feeding his livestock and tidying his home, Chảo A Phàn of Sín Chải hamlet, Nà Hỳ commune, grabbed his shovel and joined fellow villagers to help build a house for Tẩn San Phấu. “For us highland residents, helping one another build homes is a long-standing tradition. It reflects our spirit of mutual support. Today, many of us are helping Phấu level the yard, mix mortar, sift sand, and carry materials. Everyone naturally knows what to do, and things move along faster,” Phàn shared.

Tẩn San Phấu, a poor villager, had long lived in a deteriorating shack. With limited resources, building a new house had seemed impossible. Thanks to a support grant of VND 60 million, savings, and some family loans, he is now constructing a nearly 100-square-meter permanent home with a corrugated iron roof. “So many people have come to help,” Phấu said gratefully. “The new house gives us hope to stabilize our lives and work toward escaping poverty.”

In Nậm Khăn commune, efforts to eliminate makeshift houses have also received strong support from local authorities and residents. Lèng Văn Tự, Chairman of the commune People’s Committee, held that after review, 13 households were selected for housing support. Though all are in difficult circumstances, they have mobilized community support under the principle “those with money give money, those with strength give strength.” All 13 houses have now been completed and are in use.

“In each build, I feel joy knowing my effort brings happiness to those facing hardship,” said Vàng A Tùng from Nậm Đích hamlet, Chà Nưa commune. “We may not be relatives, but we always help when needed, even bringing our own water to avoid adding to the family’s burden.”

With the motto “Leave no one behind,” the border district of Nậm Pồ has been actively mobilizing resources to support the poor. Of the 476 houses allocated for Nậm Pồ district (406 new builds, 70 renovations), 85 homes are scheduled for new construction in phase one of 2025, with total funding of VND 5.1 billion. Residents contributed materials and labor, while local officials coordinated support for families with special difficulties. As of now, 60 of the 85 planned homes have been completed.

Vàng A Kỷ, Chairman of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Nậm Pồ district, noted: “People in villages have contributed thousands of workdays. Their help has saved families money on labor and equipment costs. Thanks to this unity and the hands of “farmer-engineers,” many solid new homes have been completed.”

With strong political will and heartfelt community support, the housing assistance program in Nậm Pồ is on track for success, bringing lasting shelter and new hope to disadvantaged families in this border region.