But nine months ago, she became one of the fortunate few in Weber County to surmount chronic homelessness. The 50-year-old former restaurant manager was allotted a tiny cottage in central Ogden, a unit leased by the Weber Housing Authority.
As Utah experiences a housing shortage amid rapid population growth, and correspondingly higher rental costs, low-income people are being forced to the brink of homelessness.
When tragedy strikes, like it did Barsell, economic problems can ensue and put a person on the streets.
According to updated U.S. Census data released in late September, an estimated 8,531 rental households in Weber County spend 30% or more of their income on housing — the statistical threshold where housing becomes unaffordable.