Voices of VU: Nicole Bixler and Ryan McClellan, Operation in My Backyard (OPIMBY)
In 2017, Nicole Bixler and Ryan McClellan started Operation in My Backyard (OPIMBY). OPIMBY is a charitable tax-exempt organization advocating for harm reduction and providing free supplies including Naloxone, safer injection supplies, safer smoking supplies, safer sex work supplies, and Fentanyl testing strips.
Learn more about Nicole and Ryan below!
1. Tell us about how you got started with Operation In My Back Yard and your role.
My husband and I started OPIMBY in 2017 on December 26th after driving through Kensington. I wanted to show my husband where I used to be when I was struggling with IV drug use as a teenager. We drove through the neighborhood the day after Christmas and could not believe how things had changed, and everyone was living under overpasses and in tents on the street. He looked at me and said, “We have to do something.”
We bought supplies to make peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and hit the streets to talk to people. We didn’t know what our goal was or how we wanted to help, but we couldn’t just ignore it. We started a Facebook fundraiser and raised over $3,000 in a week, so we knew at that point that we could figure out a way to do this. We started adding hot meals, hand warmers, and donated clothing. We had barber friends come and give haircuts on the street and got access to free Narcan throughout the city.
One night we went to dinner with a friend, and she brought along one of her board members. He heard my story and offered to do the paperwork and pay for the fees associated with creating a 501(c)3. OPIMBY was born. We got the idea for the name because we believe everyone should be included, and we strongly disagree with the NIMBY (Not in My Backyard) mentality. I am the president and founder.
2. What’s been a rewarding interaction that you’ve seen or been a part of at OPIMBY?
The most rewarding interactions are watching the volunteers show up for the first time, and they are standoffish or shy. They don’t know what to expect. After their first outreach, I can see them grow and become so comfortable. It’s almost as if you can see them putting their guard down and diving in to support people shunned by most of society. The lightbulb goes off that they are human beings that are so much more than their behaviors.
We have our first intern this year. I saw the lightbulb go off, and it was very rewarding because she will be able to deliver the message to others that everyone is lovable and people who use drugs are the most appreciative and kind group. They are just misunderstood.
3. What has been a hurdle OPIMBY has faced recently? (Please feel free to provide any call for aid and add a call for volunteers!)
Funds are always a hurdle. We are hoping to get approved for funding to purchase a mobile unit. We do everything out of my rowhome and my car. We need space, but we can’t afford it. A storage unit would be amazing, and there is one near us. We don’t have any space to meet and prep for outreach. Anyone who can donate so that we can rent a storage space would be greatly appreciated.
4. What is your favorite part of Philly to explore or what do you like to do to unwind?
We love the Gayborhood, Fishtown, Queens Village, and Society Hill. I love historic streets and row homes with the beautiful colored shutters and doors on them. We love going out to eat at new restaurants and trying different foods. We also love spending time at home with our dogs and watching movies or murder mystery series.
5. What has been your go-to meal/local restaurant with the weather getting colder?
We absolutely love so many that it is hard to choose. Some of our favorite places are LMNO, Cheu Fishtown and Nunu, Suraya, Bistrot La Minette, and Positano Coast.
