Highland Council are contacting private accommodation providers in the north to seek their help in providing stable homes for those on the streets.
Housing staff are appealing to speak to private landlords and accommodation providers of short-term lets, including Air B&B hosts, who may be interested in discussing the possibility of leasing their property to the council.
The move would help alleviate the pressures felt by the council’s homelessness services during the Covid-19 crisis, by providing safe accommodation for individuals in need.
Chairman of the Housing and Property Committee, Councillor Ben Thompson said: “The Covid-19 outbreak has affected all aspects of our daily lives and we have seen increased pressure on our homelessness service, including demand from the loss of tied accommodation in the hotel industry.
“The current situation is making it extremely difficult for us to provide suitable accommodation for people who are homeless at this difficult time.”
Mr Thompson said the move will help property owners maintain a regular cash flow in the coming months whilst offering necessary help in the community and supporting its response to the crisis.
He added: “We know that Private Landlords and providers of short-term lets across the Highlands are being hit hard by coronavirus in terms of reduced bookings. We are encouraging anyone in such a position to consider temporarily leasing their property to the Council.”
