The Utah Foundation’s research brief on homelessness is meant, in part, to help voters better understand the issues. First, it is important to note that the term “homeless” can refer to either situational or chronic realities facing individuals or families in the state.
Those who are situationally homeless may be unable to find affordable housing, may be experiencing economic instability generated by job loss or health issues, or may be escaping domestic violence.
In contrast, the chronically homeless may be without shelter for an extended period or have experienced multiple occasions where they have not had a home. In 2023, approximately 1,004 individuals were experiencing chronic homelessness in Utah, representing a 96% increase from 2019.
Utah voter responses to the Utah Priorities Project survey suggest that a focus on services is more important than preventing camping and loitering. There does, however, exist substantial variation in responses across the political spectrum.
Read the brief here.
