Utah's bold aim to end chronic homelessness by 2014 might have its epicenter in projects like downtown Salt Lake City's Palmer Court, which plans a ribbon-cutting next week on low- and no-cost apartments for up to 300 residents.

But those working to provide safe and affordable housing to people who have spent years without permanent shelter know that the battle can't be won if it's only fought in the state's urban core.

That's why state and local officials broke ground Thursday on two new housing projects in rural Utah. When completed, Avalon House in Helper and The Newhouse in Price will provide more than 50 apartments, along with job training and other support to help tenants -- who will pay no more than 30 percent of their income on rent -- re-integrate into society.

Gordon Walker, director of the state Division of Housing and Community Development, said it's vital to focus on the state's largest cities. But he added it will be impossible to eliminate chronic homelessness ( defined as those who have spent the past year without permanent shelter, or have been without permanent shelter more than four times in a five-year period ) without also spending time and money in Utah's vast rural territory.

"Obviously, we're going to look first to the highest populated areas," Walker said. "But everywhere in the state there are homeless and chronically homeless individuals who we need to reach out to help as well."

The two new complexes will serve Carbon and Emery counties. Walker said the state estimates there are at least 70 individuals who are chronically homeless in the area.

Walker said he knows geographic and other types of obstacles likely will prevent every eligible person in the region from using the services offered in the two new complexes. But, he added, "We can make a significant dent in that number."

Homelessness is not a new problem facing rural Utah. In fact, the Avalon House is a renovation of the former Golden Rule Mission on Main Street in downtown Helper.

The two projects will cost $5 million and should be ready for tenants in six to nine months, Walker said.