The number of homeless Utahns rose by 16 percent statewide during the past year, but the number of people who are chronically homeless is down by almost as much, according to an annual state survey released today.

A head count by the Utah Division of Housing and Community Development taken in January indicates a decrease of 258 individuals —1,728 to 1,470. An estimated 15,836 men, women and children will go homeless in 2008, which is about .06 percent of Utah's total population.

Persons living on the street, in emergency shelters, transitional housing and enrolled in treatment facilities are included in the federally mandated count.

An accurate tally is difficult to obtain, said Gordon Walker, division director. "But recognizing that you can't manage what you do not measure, we've improved our data. We now have a reliable benchmark for charting progress toward Utah's goal of ending chronic homelessness."

A new approach to find housing first for the chronically homeless then deal with the underlying causes is credited for the reduction. After being moved into permanent, affordable apartments, the homeless are enrolled in therapy, addiction treatment and job counseling. They are required to stay drug-free in order to remain in the apartments.

"We've moved 200 men and women into apartments, and 85 percent are still housed," said Lloyd Pendleton, state Homeless Task Force Director. "Many are finding jobs, kicking addictions and reconnecting with family. We have a long way to go, but these numbers tell us we're on the right track."

The 2008 count also shows:

• Persons in families are the fastest growing segment of Utah's homeless population, up 28 percent in 2008.

• The number of unsheltered homeless on the street declined 45 percent.

• Domestic violence, job losses, divorce and illness all factor into rising family homelessness.

A shortage of affordable housing may also play a role, as do better tools for measuring the population, said Pendleton.

"Homelessness is a growing problem," said Pendleton. "But the good news is we're getting better at solving it. By housing the chronically homeless, we're improving the efficiency of our shelters and freeing up more space for families."

The chronically homeless are defined as single adults with a disabling condition who have been homeless for at least one year, or four times in three years. This group comprises 9 percent of Utah's homeless population, but consumes more than half the state's emergency shelter beds.

The 2008 numbers are based on a point-in-time count, an annual event during the last week of January in which volunteers canvas shelters, detox centers and city streets for homeless Utahns.

Homelessness, by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development's definition, is being "without a permanent place to live that is fit for human habitation."

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E-mail: jthalman@desnews.com