Scots who face losing their homes could be able to request support for up to six months before they are evicted.
The Scottish Government is considering new laws to tackle homelessness - with councils facing a legal duty to identify anyone at risk.
Analysis published today by Citizens Advice Scotland (CAS) and housing charity Crisis has now found that many people could have avoided losing their home if they had been able to access help earlier.
It found examples of Scots being told a local authority was powerless help them unless they had already received an eviction notice.
The charities want to see more joined-up thinking between councils to lower the number of people forced out of their homes.
The most common problems reported on the homelessness system related to the suitability of temporary accommodation and support available to cover living costs.
Problems typically associated with temporary accommodation - such as drug and alcohol use by other occupants - were also found to have a negative impact on individuals’ mental health.
The analysis was based on 185 cases from CAS between January 2021 and January 2022.
Matt Downie, chief executive of Crisis, said: "This analysis reinforces the need for new measures to prevent homelessness in Scotland.
"Everyone deserves a safe, secure place to call home, yet each year far too many people in Scotland are forced to go through the trauma and indignity of homelessness.
"That’s why we support Scottish Government plans allowing people to get help earlier, before they reach a point of emergency, alongside new duties requiring public bodies to ask about someone’s housing situation, then acting to offer help if needed.
"If enacted properly, these changes hold the potential to make Scotland a world-leader in ending homelessness.”
Derek Mitchell, chief executive of Citizens Advice Scotland, said: "This research highlights the horrific experiences so many people go through when they are made homeless and it can often be prevented.
"The Scottish Government’s plan to provide greater support to people in precarious housing situations to prevent homelessness is a positive step in Scotland’s journey to eradicate homelessness.
"Early intervention is crucial, and along with the duty on public authorities to pro-actively work together, should make a real difference to many people in future."
Nicola Sturgeon announced in 2017 a commitment to eradicate rough sleeping and ultimately end homelessness.
But figure released last month found the number of children living in temporary accommodation had rocketed during lockdown.
In March 2019 the number of children without a home was 6795 but by September 2020, following six months of lockdown, that had shot up to 7900.
Housing secretary Shona Robison said: "We’re working to end homelessness in Scotland once and for all. We know the best way to do this is to prevent people from becoming homeless in the first place, which is why we are planning to introduce new homelessness prevention duties on local authorities and public bodies.
"We are also working closely with local authorities to help them implement rapid rehousing and Housing First approaches, and are providing £52.5 million to support this work."
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