SOCIAL ISSUES FOISTED UPON NEIGHBOURHOODS

To the Editor,

Re: Gabriola groups tackle homelessness, Feb. 17.

Kathryn Molloy, manager of the People for a Healthy Community,
suggests that residents who do not want affordable housing put next
to their homes were subject to the affliction of being a NIMBY.

I would like to suggest a new term - HAIYBY (How About In Your Back
Yard) - to be applied to those who have a fascination with creating
public housing for those in need because of drug addictions. Let
Molloy donate one of her houses, in her neighbourhood, for the public
housing requirements.

Likewise for those Nanaimo councillors all hopped up with enthusiasm
for putting wet housing for drug addicts and alcoholics in amongst
schools and residential properties - let them locate the public
housing next door to their residence.

One has to marvel at the attitude of first coming up with the concept
of public housing for those unfortunate enough to be unable to look
after themselves, and then secondly, to suggest that others bear the
brunt of the social issues that inevitably follow along.

I say: HAIYBY to those who think in such a way.

Jeremy Baker Gabriola Island