WEST ALLIS, Wis. (CBS 58) -- A proposed plan to open a temporary overnight warming shelter in West Allis is getting both support and pushback from residents.

The roughly 40-bed shelter would be located inside Mount Hope Lutheran Church near 86th and Becher.

If approved, it would open overnight from late November through March, with priority given to women, families and seniors.

Paid and trained county staff would run and monitor the shelter, while also providing security and support services.

Reverend Stephen Boyhont, the pastor for the church, told CBS 58's Ellie Nakamoto-White the need is growing as homelessness rises in the area.

"There has to be certain parameters met and certain zoning things, so it's still a conversation," Boyhont said, confirming that no formal application has yet been filed. "We all recognize, as a whole West Allis community, that this is a need and that this is something we all want to be in conversation about and address." 

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On Tuesday night, several spoke out during a Common Council meeting.

"This location is in a residential neighborhood and is extremely close to schools. We are talking about an area where children walk to and from school every day, families live, and residents expect a certain level of safety and stability within our neighborhood," said one woman.

But Rev. Boyhont said he and other officials have open communication with the nearby schools, along with the local police department and other community partners. 

"I think West Allis is a community founded on care," Rev. Boyhont said. "We invite other partners, other community members to work together and see how best we can be West Allis to our neighbor."

Carol Wood, a West Allis resident of more than 60 years, said she supports the shelter "fully."

"I think it's going to be great for the city, a lot of people are going to get help," Wood said. "And if they have the right people working it, there will be a lot of outreach to help them get into other resources, get back on their feet."

Wood added she welcomes the shelter into the area.

"Not all of them are bad people, some of them are just a victim of circumstance," Wood said. "They need a hand up to get back on their feet and figure out where they go next."

If an application is filed and approved and the shelter does move forward, the church said this winter would essentially be a test run.

They would not be locked into a long-term contract and could then decide afterward whether or not to continue.