Four properties to help keep rough sleepers off the streets could be bought by Lichfield District Council.
The local authority unveiled the proposal as part of a plan to reduce homelessness across the area.
Under the plans, the council will look for properties near the city centre which would house multiple people. They will then be used as supported accommodation for rough sleepers and homeless people with complex needs.
The proposals would see a delivery partner lease the accommodation from the council at affordable rent levels, as well as being responsible for day to day repairs and management of the properties.
Councillor Ashley Yeates, Cabinet member for communities and housing, said: “As a local council, it is our duty to prevent and relieve homelessness across the district.
“We want to end rough sleeping locally, and this plan gives us a strategy to continue this important process.
“Providing properties for homeless people with complex needs, and having a network of support in place to help them to stay in these homes, should mean that we tailor our services to the individual and have more of a chance of helping rough sleepers off local streets and into secure and safe homes.”
The move comes after an increase in people who are found to be sleeping rough on local streets, thought to be up to five a night, as well as the implementation of the Homeless Reduction Act 2017.
Other initiatives being planned by the council include the appointment of a two-year tenancy sustainment officer to support people with more complex needs, helping them for six months to make sure their tenancy starts well.
Once established, this service will be offered to residents who are in housing, but at risk of becoming homeless.
The plans will start this summer and will run for two-years, and could be extended if successful and funding is available.
