The service will help single homeless people

Mary Mulligan announced details of the two-year pilot scheme, which is to be based in Dumfries and Galloway.

The support programme includes advice on family relations, health and employment issues.

Housing charity Shelter said it wanted to help single homeless people in Scotland - who account for two thirds of homeless applications.

Ms Mulligan said she hoped the project would help to break the cycle of homelessness.

"Homelessness is a very complex issue and effective support is vital to help people make the transition from temporary to permanent tenancies," she said.

The project aims to provide tailored support for homeless people in their own community Mark Griffiths Shelter Scotland

"That's why we're working with Shelter and local authorities to make sure the correct services are in place to make real positive improvements to people's quality of life."

Shelter Scotland's Mark Griffiths said homeless people need to have access to better support services.

The services manager said: "It takes more than giving someone a roof over their head to tackle homelessness.

Strategic aims

"Homelessness affects how people get on with family and friends, their health, living costs, how easy it is to get a job and their self-esteem.

"The project aims to provide tailored support for homeless people in their own community.

"It will give them the confidence and skills to break away from facing homelessness again."