In this article I will discuss the issue of homelessness and how it is becoming a more serious problem as time goes by. I will discuss issues affecting homelessness, such as the NIMBY, not in my backyard problem, and how it is causing homeless people not to get the help they need. This is an issue that needs to change, but because of NIMBYism, it is very difficult to create that change. “A diverse population that has continued to increase over a quarter century is made up of people who are homeless” (Baggerly & Zalaquett, 2006, p.155). Homelessness has become a growing problem in society as more and more people find themselves homeless and don't know where to turn. Many people don't feel the need to help and carry the "not in my backyard" attitude, and because of this attitude, there aren't enough homeless shelters around to provide shelter or food to those who need it. Many neighborhoods refuse to build a shelter in their community because they simply don't want homeless people in their neighborhood. “It appears that NIMBYism was based on a neighborhood's unjustified fears and prejudices” (Gilbert, 1993, p. 7), and some of these fears and prejudices burden the homeless. Society's negative views of them create barriers to where to place shelters and also reduce the urgency to build them. If fewer people in society had these negative opinions, the easier it would be to address homelessness. Change may finally happen because more people would like to fight for that change. Due to "NIMBYism", society as a whole makes homelessness a less serious case to deal with simply because there aren't enough people... .middle of paper ......nment would start investing more money in funding to support this cause, instead of making it even more difficult for someone to help themselves.Works CitedBaggerly, J., & Zalaquett, C. (2006). A descriptive study of single adults in homeless shelters: Increasing counselors' knowledge and social action. Journal of Multicultural Counseling and Development, 34(3), 155-167. Retrieved from SocINDEX with full-text database.Gilbert, D. (1993). Not in my backyard. Social Work, 38(1), 7-8. Retrieved from SocINDEX with full text database.Homan, M. S. (2008). Advancing community change: Making it happen in the real world. (5th edition). Belmont, California. Nelson Education, LTD. Rahder, B. (2006). The women's homelessness crisis in Canada. International journal Women and environments, (70/71), 38-39. Retrieved from SocINDEX with full text database.