The Guest House hosted 3,500 people.

The free Accompanying House, implemented under the social municipality services of Mersin Metropolitan Municipality and named ‘Dosthane’, has hosted 3,500 guests to date. One of the residents of the Accompanying House, retired inspector and painter Halit Şahin, drew a portrait of the Metropolitan Municipality Mayor Vahap Seçer, who stands by the citizens on their hardest days, to express his gratitude. The project, which provides a solution to the accommodation problem of citizens coming to central hospitals from distant districts and rural neighborhoods in Mersin, has served more than 3,500 patients and their companions since its opening in January 2021. Thanks to the Accompanying House project carried out under the Social Services Department Presidency, the accommodation problem of patients and their companions coming from distant districts to public and university hospitals for treatment has been eliminated. In the Accompanying House, where oncology patients and their companions can stay for 45 days, and other patients and companions for a maximum of 30 days, free accommodation is provided along with breakfast, dinner, psychological counseling, and transportation to the hospital is also provided free of charge with the shuttles allocated by Mersin Metropolitan Municipality.
Stating that the feedback from patients and their companions is very positive, Responsible of the Accompanying House Dila Yumuşak emphasized that the guests leave very satisfied. She mentioned that they can stay here safely and peacefully, and if they encounter any problems, they can get help and support from them. She highlighted that the feedback is all very positive, and the guests are very happy and satisfied. She also noted that they communicate well among themselves and can continue to stay in touch. Since January 2021, they have hosted more than 3,500 people, and the requests are increasing day by day. They aim to reach as many guests as possible and provide this service to as many guests as possible, so that no guest is left on the street or in the hospital garden.
One of the beneficiaries of the Accompanying House, retired inspector and painter Halit Şahin, expressed his gratitude by drawing a portrait of Mayor Seçer for being very satisfied with the services. Şahin, who came from Mut to Mersin for a 38-day radiation treatment and stayed at ‘Dosthane’ due to not having a place to stay, thanked Mayor Vahap Seçer for being there for people on their hardest days. He mentioned that he heard about the Accompanying House from hospital staff and was contacted right after applying. Not wanting to be a burden to anyone for 38 days, Şahin expressed his happiness about finding out about the Accompanying House and immediately starting to stay at the hotel recommended by calling ‘Alo 185’. He also expressed his emotions for the great service provided by the Metropolitan Municipality and mentioned that he wanted to make a portrait of the Mayor as a gift in return for this kindness.
Stating that he had a chance to spend enjoyable time at Dosthane during the day, Şahin mentioned that he visited the studios of his artist friends in Mersin. He also shared his plans to hold an exhibition consisting of portraits of Atatürk during the week of October 29, the 100th anniversary of the Republic, and his preparations for it.