We asked over 1,000 sober livings what topic they most wanted to talk about for our second Town Hall of 2023 and the answer was a resounding “NIMBY”! The Not in My Back Yard phenomenon is something that all organizations that help those in need face, especially when those in need are struggling with substance use disorder. Opening a recovery residence isn’t as simple as finding a location and setting up shop when you have to contend with unhappy neighbors and zoning issues. So to start off the discussion and get some insight, we sent out the invites and asked our participants about how they began their organizations and combatted the stigma that creates “NIMBY”.
Here are the highlights from our discussion!
How did you find your property?
Most said the best way to start the search was to research vicinity laws and local regulations to find out if there are restrictions on where you can set up your sober living. Using the Americans with Disabilities Act and Fair Housing Act could also help explain where your business can open and under what conditions. These should be your very first Google searches when starting your journey!
Did you reach out to community members and neighbors before opening?
Many owners went around their neighborhoods to hand out flyers to explain what their organization was and invite locals on a tour. Another fantastic suggestion was to have a short video or virtual tour on your website to show your community what your organization is all about. Begin fighting Not in My Back Yard by being courteous and social!
What policies do you have to keep your relationship with neighbors positive?
The majority of recovery residences have “Good Neighbor” Policies. These are rules residents must agree to, to stay on the property. They often include rules about where participants can smoke, who can visit and when, how to keep the property clean, and enforcing a no loitering rule to prevent the house from becoming a congregation spot.
Do you and your residents participate in any programs that give back to the community?
Most organizations have a rule to ensure that anyone who is working less than full time must volunteer in their community. Activities can range from working in food banks to enrolling in a peer support program. Many sober livings will partner with churches and charity organizations to give their residents volunteering opportunities or jobs. These keep the participants busy and give back to the area they’re in.
How do you address concerns from your neighbors?
In the case of keeping the peace, most sober living owners will contact the police department prior to opening up. Having a good relationship with law enforcement will help if you need medical attention quickly or an unhappy neighbor calls in a complaint. The best way to keep that positive relationship with your neighbors was to provide them with your direct contact information. If they feel like they have an open relationship where they can voice their concerns with you and be heard, they are much less likely to get the local police involved.
How do you promote your business locally?
Finally, it’s important for your community to know you’re there. Get ahead of what the Not in My Back Yard stigma around substance misuse may be and promote your organization. Reach out to treatment courts, churches, and charities to build a positive reputation.
Want to join us on our next town hall? Reach out to info@onestepsoftware.com and provide your information so we can get you on the mailing list!