The projects focus on problems which can cause homelessness

The Scottish Executive's Innovation Fund for preventing homelessness will allocate �230,000 to eight new projects developed by councils across Scotland.

The projects include a sport initiative for women, a rent arrears scheme and an assistance project for prison leavers.

Mr Chisholm said innovative approaches could help prevent homelessness.

The funding was announced as the minister visited Alloa to meet people involved with the Forth Valley Street Sport initiative, which works with homeless men in Clackmannanshire.

"We were keen to support new projects not already funded within the existing preventative measures being undertaken as part of local authorities' homelessness strategies," Mr Chisholm said.

"These projects have at their heart issues which are often a cause of why people can be homeless. It is not enough to ensure accommodation is provided.

"Many people experience times in their lives where they may have financial, mental health or family problems and these can impact on their ability to stay where they live or keep their home."

'Positive effect'

Clackmannanshire Provost Derek Stewart said he was delighted the area had secured a share of the fund.

"The Street Sport model that we have been running in Clackmannanshire for the past year has had a most positive effect on the men involved," he said.

"With this additional funding we can now build on that success and roll out the programme to help homeless women and women at risk of becoming homeless.

"It will give them the skills and confidence to improve their lives and the lives of any children they may have."

James Jopling, of housing charity Shelter Scotland, also welcomed the announcement.

He said: "We need to ensure that the lessons learned from these new projects are lasting ones which show how preventing homelessness can make a difference to people's lives - and that investment is available to expand the projects that work.