SALT LAKE CITY -- Despite a good economy, homelessness has increased in Utah.
The Utah Department of Workforce Services reported a 7 percent increase in homelessness on Thursday. Families made up the majority of that increase, particularly outside Salt Lake County.
The numbers showed a decrease during the annual census, but compared with year-over-year numbers, homelessness had increased.
Jonathan Hardy, the director of Utah's Housing and Community Development Division, told FOX 13 the rise can be attributed to rents going up and a lack of affordable housing. He said it would be a priority as policy makers move to address ways to combat homelessness.
Recently, the Utah State Legislature agreed to fund $27 million over the next few years for new shelters and resources to keep people from living on the streets.
