Behind every statistic lies a human story of resilience, compassion, and the transformative power of solidarity.
A war veteran’s new beginning
Returning from the Cambodian battlefield, war veteran Nguyễn Bảo Trung, born in 1961 in Tuy Phước Đông commune, endured overwhelming hardship. A traffic accident left his wife with declining health and mental instability.
His eldest son passed away, while his eldest daughter suffers from a chronic illness and depends on social assistance. His youngest daughter, just 16, left school early to support the family.
Authorities stepped in with 60 million VND (about USD 2,500) from the national housing program. The former Tuy Phước District People’s Committee added 30 million VND (USD 1,250) from socialized funds, and the former Phước Sơn Commune Veterans Association mobilized another 10 million VND (USD 420). Volunteers helped source materials, dismantle the old house, and oversee construction.
“I never expected so much care during my hardest times,” Trung said. “This house is not just shelter—it gives me the strength to move forward.”
Overcoming disability and poverty
In Ia Hrú commune’s Tung Đao village, Kpă Ven, disabled after two accidents, had lived in a deteriorating wooden house with his elderly parents. Surviving on a 750,000 VND (USD 31) monthly allowance, he could not afford repairs.
Support of 60 million VND (USD 2,500) enabled him to build a 36 m² house with help from neighbors. “Now I no longer worry about leaks or damage,” Ven said, “I only wish for good health to care for my parents.”
A new chapter for a family in hardship
Nguyễn Thị Thúy Vân, born in 1972, suffers from a congenital heart condition and her husband lacks stable work. With children still in school, her family struggled in a crumbling home.
She received 50 million VND (USD 2,080) from the former Tuy Phước District Women’s Union, along with preferential loans and discounted materials, totaling about 300 million VND (USD 12,500). Now, in her new home, she works part-time at a rattan weaving workshop.
“My health and spirit have improved,” Vân said. “We finally have stability and hope for our children’s future.”
From makeshift hut to secure shelter
For Hà Văn Thự and his wife Kpă Min in Klăh village, life in a 20 m² hut ended when the State provided 60 million VND (USD 2,500). They borrowed an additional 20 million VND (USD 830) to complete their new home.
“Now we have a solid house and can focus on working hard to escape poverty,” Thự said. Authorities also facilitated a 30 million VND (USD 1,250) loan for cultivating six plots of land.
Security for the elderly
Elderly couple Trần Sum, born 1936, and Nguyễn Thị Duyên, born 1939, once lived in a decayed home while Mr. Sum suffered paralysis.
With 60 million VND (USD 2,500) in state support, 15 million VND (USD 625) from local funds, and help from their children, they built a secure new house.
“Our parents finally have peace of mind,” their son Trần Văn Phương said.
From illness to relief
Formerly well-off, Hồ Văn Tế, born 1955, fell into hardship due to diabetes and other illnesses. Forced to live in a makeshift shelter, his family received 30 million VND (USD 1,250) for home repairs.
“Our house is now sturdier, and I can focus on treatment,” Tế said. “The support eased our burden and gave us comfort.”
A lasting value
For Gia Lai’s families, these houses represent more than shelter. They are symbols of compassion, resilience, and unity, offering protection and renewed hope. Each completed home strengthens not only a household but also the bonds of the wider community.
Part 3: No poor person left alone on the journey to secure housing
