The province has 35,812 people who rendered service to the nation, of whom more than 2,000 receive monthly allowances. Following the issuance of resolutions, decisions and directives by the Party Central Committee, the National Assembly and the Prime Minister on eliminating substandard housing, the province set up a steering committee to remove temporary and dilapidated homes. The committee aims to mobilise social resources alongside state funding to complete housing support for this group, as well as poor and near-poor households facing housing difficulties, before May 19, 2025.

The province has mobilised the entire political system, focusing on a set of concerted measures. On March 5, 2025, the provincial People’s Committee issued Decision No. 509/QĐ-UBND approving a housing-support scheme for people who rendered service to the nation and relatives of fallen soldiers in Son La.

After review, the province identified 178 families in need of housing support - 78 for construction and 100 for renovation or repair. New houses must provide a minimum usable floor area of 30 sq.m; for a single-person household, smaller houses are allowed but not under 24 sq.m. Newly built homes must meet the “three-solid” standard for floor, frame-walls, and roof, and have a minimum lifespan of 20 years. For houses needing repair of the frame, walls and a new roof, once repaired they must meet the “two-solid” standard for frame-walls and roof, with a lifespan of at least 10 years. Support is 60 million VND (about 2,250 USD) per household for house construction and 30 million VND per for renovation or repair.

During implementation, many households faced financial constraints, lacked labour, or had elderly members or those in poor health. Local Party committees, authorities, mass organisations, and police and military forces contributed workdays to help them build or repair their homes. This accelerated construction, lowered costs, and allowed residents to stabilise their lives sooner. Localities also strengthened communications, coordinated reviews to identify eligible beneficiaries, assessed housing conditions and needs, and ensured a transparent, consultative process in line with guidelines.

With the active involvement of Party committees, authorities and local residents, these homes were completed on schedule. By May 2025, the province had eliminated temporary and dilapidated houses for all 178 families with members who rendered service to the revolution or were relatives of fallen soldiers, fulfilling the set target.

Joy and gratitude were the shared sentiments of these beneficiaries as they moved into their new homes. While not large or high-value, these houses are invaluable assets, bringing happiness and a better life, and serving as a fitting recognition of the contributions of people with meritorious service and the families of fallen soldiers.

One of the households receiving 60 million VND to build a new home, war veteran Nguyen Van Tuat, born in 1955 in To Hieu ward, was overjoyed when his family’s sturdy, well-built house was completed just three months after construction began. He no longer had to live in the dilapidated, leaky house that had long been a family concern.

“The new house gives me the strength to overcome difficulties,” Tuat said. “It is an invaluable gift for my family and reflects the care of the Party, the State and the province - something I will always cherish. Celebrating Tet this year in our new, spacious home brings joy to everyone in the family.”

The new houses were handed over to the intended beneficiaries, reflecting the humane spirit of Party and State policies and the care of the province and local authorities for families with meritorious service. This initiative not only honours their contributions to the homeland but also helps families stabilise their lives, providing additional motivation for them to work confidently and improve their livelihoods.