Homeless: NIMBYs

Re: “Calling Puyallup neighbors NIMBYs is sheer hypocrisy,” (TNT, 8/28).

In regards to Jim Kastama’s viewpoint article about the homeless problem in his neighborhood, at least with the New Hope Center, Puyallup residents can visibly observe the so-called “problem.” There are so many of us that are one paycheck away from being in the same position as many of the homeless in Pierce County.

I live less than a mile away from the Pierce County landfill, the one so many fought against because it was build over an aquifer, possibly the same aquifer that supplies the well water for thousands of Pierce County residents.

My husband always said, “I wish it was a pig farm that was permitted, at least we could see the problem.” We were called NIMBYs, too. We got over it.

At least New Hope Center is trying to address the problem of the homeless. We must help them in our backyard, not close the door.

This story was originally published September 2, 2016 at 11:02 AM with the headline "Homeless: NIMBYs."