With unemployment rates at more than 8% in Greene County and more than 9% in Missouri, Springfield City Council is considering declaring an "economic calamity."

Monday night, council will discuss the resolution, which expands the definition of "emergency shelters."

Pathways United Methodist Church in North Springfield says it has the space to help those in need, and it along with several other churches in Springfield are ready to help.

"We want to partner with other churches, so we can give what God has given to us through this building back to community and back to God's people," Pathways United Methodist Pastor Tom Vansant said.

A resolution being considered by Springfield City Council would allow individuals, churches, and other organizations that meet building safety, and health codes to offer temporary shelter or food to the homeless.

Vansant says he anticipates churches could help 40 to 60 people at a time, with churches housing the homeless on weeklong rotations.

"We would use our rooms for people to use as bedrooms where people would sleep and keep personal things, half of gym for recreation and half for people to eat," Vansant said.

Church members and members of smaller churches could help make sure they stay is a safe one.

"We have nurses in the congregation who would be willing to be here and then we'll solicit other volunteers to take shift spending day and night here to make sure facility and people are taken care of," Vansant said.

Homeless families and individuals would need to register and be screened to go to one of the temporary shelters.

If passed the resolution would remain in effect until May 1, 2010 or until the local unemployment rate drops to 5% for two consecutive months.