The “Not in My Backyard” (NIMBY) mentality often dominates housing conversations when a city or housing authority plans to build an affordable housing development in established neighborhoods. In response, we must dedicate efforts to educate against such behaviors. Opponents of affordable housing often use distraction to direct attention away from the real issues at hand. Thus, stereotypes, misconceptions and racially-charged statements from ill-informed citizens proliferate.

Furthermore, some offer short-sighted commentary: how affordable housing would turn their neighborhood into “a ghetto with increased crime.” Other coded statements include, “I’m not against affordable housing, I just don’t want it in my neighborhood because it will decrease my property value.” False stigmas around affordable housing not only harm people; these untruths lead to unfair judgments toward an already vulnerable population.

Numerous studies show that affordable housing has either a positive or neutral impact on property values. Moreover, having more affordable housing options can lead to reduced crime rates. That’s the reality, and it’s good news for everyone.

LaRence Snowden

Writing since February 2022 · 1 story contributed