YIMBYs Unite!

The LA Times editorial board addresses NIMBY (Not in my back yard) issues straight on this morning. It’s nice to have the editorial board join the YIMBY (Yes! In my back yard) movement here in Los Angeles.

As part of this movement, the Hollywood community (political officials, social service agencies, faith groups, businesses, law enforcement, and residents) created the Project Y!MBY initiative to counter NIMBYism and encourage more housing and services.

Here are some of the comments in the editorial:

It's hard enough to get homeless people the services they need so they can begin to get their lives together. The task is made all the more difficult when local residents and officials stymie attempts to provide such services simply because they don't want them in their neighborhood. Until Los Angeles realizes that everyone has to be part of the solution, it will stay the nation's capital of homelessness.

Homeless services needn't destroy the fabric of a neighborhood. And studies show that they don't increase crime or decrease property values. What they can do is help keep the most vulnerable from becoming homeless and help others find housing quickly.

Kudo’s also to a terrific agency, A Community of Friends, who were highlighted in the editorial.