Homelessness climbs in Utah, especially for older adults
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Homelessness in Utah is worsening, with sharp increases among older adults and veterans, according to a new state report.
The big picture: An increasing share of Utah's senior population, many of whom depend on fixed incomes, is unable to keep up with rising housing costs, according to an annual report released Wednesday by the Utah Office of Homeless Services.
By the numbers: The number of people experiencing homelessness in Utah rose 18% from the previous year, per a January point-in-time count.
- Among Utahns over age 64, homelessness grew by 42%, while veterans saw a 36% jump.
- Children lacking permanent housing increased by 12%.
- People encountering chronic homelessness saw a 36% rise.
Meanwhile, first-time homelessness experienced a 5% uptick between 2023 and 2024, the report showed.
What they're saying: "I am deeply concerned about the trajectory of homelessness in the state of Utah and in our capital city," Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall said in response to the newly released figures during a Wednesday news conference outside city hall.
- Mendenhall lambasted state lawmakers for their "lack of forward momentum" to address the state's homelessness crisis.
The other side: In a joint statement, Gov. Spencer Cox, Senate President Stuart Adams, House Speaker Mike Schultz said state leaders have stepped up to help local governments "find real solutions" to curb homelessness.
- "It's frustrating to continuously take one step forward and two steps back with Salt Lake City," per the statement that urged Mendenhall to "turn down the politics."
Zoom out: The state's homeless rate is 13 per 100,000 people — below the 2024 national rate of 23 per 100,000 people, according to the data.
Zoom in: The vast majority of people (95%) included in January's count were in shelters, compared with 18% in 2023, a milestone that state leaders attributed to the expansion of winter shelter capacity.
What we're watching: Utah officials are determining where to place a new homeless campus that's planned to include between 1,200 and 1,600 beds, Utah News Dispatch reported.
Editor's note: This story has been udpated with new comments from Gov. Spencer Cox and other lawmakers.