SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The state auditor says data about the homeless population is riddled with inconsistencies and doesn’t help evaluate the effectiveness of different programs because of a lack of clear, measurable goals.
The audit released last week was designed to help state lawmakers decide which programs deserve funding, but it instead concluded better planning and goal setting is needed before any assessments can be made.
The report also found that a 2015 declaration by state officials it had reduced the chronic homeless population by 91 percent was erroneous and based on bad data.
During a hearing, Republican Senate President Wayne Niederhauser suggested funding could be cut or reduced.
The director of the Housing and Community Development Division at the Department of Workforce Services, said his agency is committed to improving.
