Returning to Thuan Chau commune in the days leading up to Tet, we accompanied local leaders to visit the family of Lo Thi Thoan in Mon hamlet, one of the poor households that had recently received support to replace their temporary house. Showing us around her new home, Thoan emotionally shared: “With 60 million VND (2,308 USD) in government support to build a new house, along with our family’s savings and help from relatives and neighbours, we were able to build a solid home. We are truly overjoyed. Celebrating this Tet this in such a spacious and beautiful new house, we are deeply grateful to the Party and the State.”

After saying goodbye to Thoan’s family, we visited the home of Lo Van Vinh, also in Mon hamlet. Welcoming us into his house, still carrying the scent of fresh paint, Vinh said: “My family is classified as poor. We had long wished to repair our house but lacked the means. Recently, with 30 million VND in government support, we hired workers and completed the renovations. Now we no longer worry about rain, wind, or cold weather. Not only my family, but my daughter’s - also a poor household, received 60 million VND in support to build a new home, which has now been completed. Without the State’s support, I don’t know when we could have repaired our house and given our children and grandchildren such a beautiful new place to live.”

Following a review and verification process, Thuan Chau commune identified 67 poor households living in temporary or dilapidated houses that had arisen after May 15, 2025, and were eligible for support under regulations. With close guidance from the province and active implementation by local authorities, all 67 households began construction or repairs in mid-November 2025.

By the end of January 2026, 100% of the plan had been completed. The total funding for the programme was 3.96 billion VND. Of this amount, the Son La provincial “For the Poor” Fund provided 3.9 billion VND to support 66 households, including the construction of 64 new houses and the repair of two houses; one policy beneficiary household received 60 million VND in support. All completed houses meet the “three-solid” criteria (solid foundation, solid frame, solid roof), use durable materials, and satisfy standards for quality, longevity, and safety.

Recognising the elimination of temporary and dilapidated housing as a key task in implementing social welfare policies and sustainable poverty reduction, in 2026 Thuan Chau commune will continue to thoroughly implement the Party’s guidelines and the directives of the Government and the provincial People’s Committee. This effort is regarded as a regular responsibility of the entire political system.

Luong Thi Thanh Thuy, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairwoman of the People’s Council of the commune, stated: “The commune will continue to conduct comprehensive and accurate reviews of households facing housing difficulties, especially poor and near-poor households, ensuring no eligible cases are overlooked or duplicated. We will promote social mobilisation, calling for resources from businesses, organisations, individuals, and benefactors; and foster solidarity and mutual support within the community to join hands in eliminating temporary and dilapidated houses. This will be linked with stabilising livelihoods and developing income-generating opportunities, helping residents ‘settle down to build their careers’ and gradually achieve sustainable poverty reduction.”

As the new spring knocks on the doors of these new homes, they are filled with lively voices, laughter, joy, and a strong sense of community solidarity. This is not only an invaluable gift for families in the new spring but also a source of motivation and encouragement for them to work hard, improve their livelihoods, actively participate in local emulation movements, and contribute to building an increasingly prosperous Thuan Chau commune.