Rice advocates a homeless shelter

CLAYTON, Mo. -- Homeless advocate Larry Rice and several homeless people are urging the St. Louis County Council to open a county-operated shelter.

Rice and 16 homeless people spoke Tuesday at a county council meeting. A spokesman for County Executive Charlie Dooley said the county has been searching for a site for a shelter and is getting close.

The county already owns a shelter for women and children who have been victims of domestic violence. There is no county-funded shelter for men and women.

Rice said there is a tremendous need for a walk-in shelter in the county.