In an interview with Canterbury Christ Church University, Most Rev Justin Welby, Archbishop of Canterbury said communities cannot just rely on local councils to address homelessness as they are constantly suffering from budget cuts.
He told students: "The churches should be open for this. [Deciding] which churches [should be open] is a case of which are most suitable for the occasion.
"There's a nationwide scheme...where churches get together in groups of seven, and each church will take one night a week."
He also said that shelter is not enough, but churches should also ensure rough sleepers are fed and are kept in a warm and safe place.
"You've got to meet the need in a way that gives dignity to the people you are meeting the need for, and gives them security," he said.
Archbishop Justin's comments come after Canterbury City suffered a recent £2 million cut in its budget.
He added that he would support opening Canterbury Cathedral to the homeless.
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