The “chronically homeless” are not the panhandlers we see on the streets. They are Utahan’s who, often because of permanent disability, have been homeless for more than a year, or who have fallen into homelessness at least four times within three years.

Most chronically homeless end up living in emergency shelters, jails and treatment facilities – at great cost to the taxpayer.

• Children make up the fastest growing segment in Utah emergency shelters.
• Homelessness among Utah families has jumped 20 percent during the recession.
• 5 % of the homeless in Utah are original Utah residents.
• 15% of homeless individuals in Utah live in rural areas.
• About one-third of the chronically homeless in Utah are veterans.
• About one-third of the chronically homeless in Utah are veterans.
• The chronically homeless account for just 10 percent of Utah’s total homeless population, but use more than half of all resources. Housing First solves this dilemma.

Learn more:

Chronic Homelessness Fact Sheet
National Alliance to End Homelessness

State of Utah 2009 Comprehensive Report on Homelessness
Housing & Community Development Division
Utah Department of Community and Culture

Frequent Users of Public Services: Ending the institutional circuit
Corporation for Supportive Housing