Dear Editor:

Reading the most recent story in the Osoyoos Times regarding the unlicensed recovery facility on Bayview Crescent left me feeling so very sad – this is NIMBY at its finest.

After seeing this small community come together so beautifully to help those people and homes affected by the flood, some of us still cannot extend that same warmth, compassion, and dignity to people who are suffering from addictions and mental health issues (and in so many cases, the former goes along with the latter).

Everyone who reads this newspaper now knows where this recovery home is, and the folks who are seeking help from such a stigmatized disease no longer have anonymity.

Ms. Warmington says that this is “ruining her summer,” and that she cannot go “into her sunroom without watching this happen.” Watching folks try to be free of addictions? Is this what is so upsetting? It’s good that this is happening, but not in my backyard?

After working in group homes for many years, and supporting folks with addictions, I have seen too many good people marginalized and stigmatized. We have national campaigns to end the stigma attached to mental health and addictions, but they are slow to take hold.

I would hope that eventually this stigma will dissolve and we will all focus more of our attention on trying to be good neighbours and supporting those in our community who need assistance, no matter what kind of assistance they need.

Trish Hahn

Osoyoos, B.C.