Erdemli community builds new home for 69-year-old woman

In the Erdemli district of Mersin, 69-year-old Fatma Dinç has been provided with a permanent home after living for 33 years in a makeshift structure known as a ‘çatma,’ which was covered in plastic sheeting.

Following the death of her husband six years ago, Dinç continued to reside in the unstable structure. Upon learning of her living conditions, local neighborhood head (muhtar) Ali Salma initiated a community effort to assist her. Supported by local volunteers, including Ali Selman Kurt, and various donors, the makeshift structure was demolished and replaced with a new two-room house.

Dinç expressed her gratitude and happiness upon receiving the keys to her new home, stating, “For the first time, I have a key; for the first time, I have a house.” She invited her neighbors to share in her joy and expressed her appreciation to those who contributed to the project.