Southern Vietnam Charity Group Builds Hundreds of Homes for the Poor

In An Giang Province, southern Vietnam, charitable activities providing housing for the poor and low-income individuals are flourishing. Notably, the charity house construction group under the Hoa Hao Buddhist Sangha in Cai Dau town, Chau Phu district, has become a shining example, building hundreds of homes over decades and spreading warm support throughout the community. In early July, Mr. Nguyen Thanh Phuong, a low-income resident of Chau Phu district, expressed his deep emotion as he moved into a new, spacious home, leaving behind a dwelling plagued by leaks and drafts for many years. "With a new home, my family will strive to work hard, support our children's education, and gradually escape poverty," Mr. Phuong shared. His joy is echoed by hundreds of other families in difficult circumstances who have been supported by this charitable group over the years. Established in 2012 with 13 core members, the group initially focused on building wooden houses. As their work gained recognition, it garnered widespread support from residents, philanthropists, and followers of the Hoa Hao Buddhist Sangha. Today, the group has grown to over 70 members, contributing in various ways, including financial donations, material contributions, and labor. Beyond house construction, members actively participate in improving rural infrastructure, such as building roads and bridges, providing school supplies for underprivileged students, and assisting families in need, thereby contributing to local social welfare efforts. Mr. Nguyen Van Tham, the group's leader, stated, "By studying and following Uncle Ho's teachings, our members support those in difficult circumstances with concrete actions. Each house built embodies the warmth and affection of the people." In recent years, the group has shifted to constructing homes with galvanized steel frames and roofs, ensuring durability and long-term usability. This initiative is consistently supported by the Chau Phu District People's Committee, the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of the district, and benefactors both locally and from afar. To date, the charity group has built 638 "Unity Houses" for the poor, near-poor, and families facing special difficulties, both within and outside the district, with a total investment of approximately 17.8 billion VND (around $700,000 USD). This is recognized as an exemplary implementation of the national movement to "Eliminate Temporary and Dilapidated Housing Nationwide." These houses not only stabilize residents' living conditions and enable them to focus on production but also boost their motivation to improve their lives, contributing to the beautification of rural landscapes. This reflects the Vietnamese tradition of "loving others as oneself."