Do citizens have a right to choose their neighbours?
People have sought to engage in decisions affecting their way of life for a long time. When change is proposed in a neighbourhood, residents may be skeptical or even take a hostile approach.
Three years ago, Richard Leblanc purchased a farm in Saanich, B.C. Here he created a therapeutic community and working organic farm aimed to help the homeless in the Victoria area. He now wants to expand the operations in produce farming, house the labour force and have a small sales area.
But, as a result of the NIMBY syndrome (not in my backyard), there is local resistance. Residents are opposed to something they consider ‘undesirable’ in their community.
In a recent report released by The Salvation Army, Canada Speaks 2012, findings revealed that 60 percent of those polled said they would be okay having a group home for people recovering from addictions on the same block as their home.
Maybe NIMBYism is an excuse to avoid responsible community outreach.
I would be accepting of such neighbours. It’s so disturbing, to say the least, that people cannot live together in peace and harmony. It seems to me that most people, at one time or another in their lives, have needed to be given a second chance after making an error, poor choice, whatever. Will we ever have peace on earth, goodwill to men?…I don’t think so, not before our Saviour returns. Heavenly Father, please forgive us for this and help us to help others rather than shun them. Thank You. Amen