Idaho’s Homeless Numbers Decline

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (AP) — A data compiled by the Idaho Housing and Finance Association shows a decline in the number of Idahoans classified as homeless. The agency reports a 9.5 percent decline in homeless persons in 2013 compared to last year.

Spokesman Jason Lantz told The Post Register that a survey released Monday shows 1,781 homeless people in the state. The agency tracks the homeless population to help determine how best to allocate federal funding and services. Data show eastern Idaho is one area of the state with a decline in homeless.

The agency tallied 191 homeless in eastern counties of Lemhi, Custer, Butte, Clark, Jefferson, Madison, Teton, Fremont and Bonneville. Idaho received $4.21 million in federal aid to help the homeless. Funding for 2013 will not be known until this summer.