While other Wellington mayoral candidates are announcing transport plans and community funds, Justin Lester has a plan for the city's more vulnerable.

The Deputy Mayor has come up with a plan to create a 'wet house' for homeless people who are alcoholic or drug addicts.

The idea is to provide a safe place for alcoholics and drug addicts to sleep.

Justin Lester said Wellingtonians want the issue of homelessness and beggars dealt with, not just swept under the carpet.

"I want to have an innovative response, and I want to make sure that we can eradicate homelessness as best possible, but to do so you need an innovative approach and to do something different."

He said it's time for a new approach and this model has worked internationally.

"It's a welcoming environment that says you're actually allowed to drink in the wet house, this is a long term accommodation, they have wrap-around services and support, we'd try to encourage moderation in drinking and behaviour.

The Downtown Community Ministry is endorsing Lester's plan.

DCM Director Stephanie McIntyre said it's an idea they've explored extensively in previous years.

"It's definitely something that we support, the need for it hasn't gone away. If anything, the growing crisis in homelessness is showing that these sorts of solutions - a wide range of solutions - are needed."

McIntyre said it's a "very effective model" at lowering the rate at which people with addiction issues drink.

"I think there's misunderstanding about what this means - perhaps we'd be better to let things like this fly under the radar and say it's a supportive accommodation option, but it's actually more open and honest this way."