Finding locations to site affordable and supportive housing facilities for special needs populations is always difficult. Policymakers should seek to address or even to pre-empt opposition from community members through a long-term program of public education; by facilitating public participation in determining the location and development of the facility; by developing solutions to address a community's concerns about their new neighbors; and by highlighting the ways in which such projects can benefit communities.

Because of market conditions, urban communities that are densely populated and have a demographic profile that is mostly minority and low-income are often disproportionately targeted in the siting of affordable housing projects. These communities also tend to have a high proportion of families receiving state or federal income supports, housing subsidies, medical coverage, or other forms of supports. Therefore, these communities may be strongly opposed to the introduction of special housing initiatives, even when the need for affordable housing among residents is acute.

Recent research provides consistent evidence on the underlying causes of NIMBY-ism and ways to overcome it. ^[1]   (See sidebar, "Siting Community Corrections Facilities: The Results of Four Focus Groups," for a description of one investigation into these causes as applied specifically to public resistance to community justice facilities.) The most successful approach appears to be an educative and collaborative process that begins prior to siting the facility, and includes contributions to the community by the facility's sponsors. It is time-consuming, requires outlays of staff and resources, and does not work well if employed too close to the implementation date of the facility plans. Policymakers engaged in housing initiatives should be amenable to modifying project plans to address the concerns and incorporate the preferences of community members; communities in general do not support the efforts of those who seek to change the fabric of the community without appropriate input and discussion.

Importantly, individuals in need of housing assistance often have a range of other service needs that must be met in order to achieve positive community outcomes. Supportive and affordable housing should be placed near transportation so that tenants can gain access to job centers, support groups, education, and other services. Policymakers engaged in planning new housing initiatives should consider collaborating with administrators of these systems to co-locate supportive services with housing or with each other in accessible locations in the community.