£2.3 million for voluntary groups

Homeless
people and refugees will be the main beneficiaries of an additional £2.3
million of grants from the Scottish executive.

The
new funding, announced by justice minister Iain Gray, will be awarded to 34
voluntary groups which tackle homelessness, domestic violence, reinforce
community care and engage more fully with the tenants movement in
Scotland.  Applications also need to
demonstrate innovative research or educational projects of national
significance.

The
two biggest beneficiaries will be the Scottish Homelessness Advisory Service
receiving £266,555 and the Scottish Refugee Council receiving £177,893.