The final report of the Homelessness Task Force had identified the need to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of homeless people in Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) communities in Scotland. To address this, the Scottish Executive Development Department commissioned new research to examine the provision and use of homelessness services in these communities. This study will inform the work of the homelessness monitoring group and the on-going development of local authorities' homelessness strategies. The definition of homelessness in this study is in line with the pro-active, preventative approach of the Homelessness Task Force and recent legislation. It includes people who are at risk of homelessness, homeless applicants, households accepted as homeless and other groups such as rough sleepers. The scope of the study is wide-ranging and includes refugees and Gypsies/Travellers.