ST. LOUIS (KMOX) -  They were hanging signs, ribbons and glittery garlands on the steel barricades located outside the New Life Evangelistic Center Wednesday morning.But they weren’t holiday decorations — it was part of a protest against the city’s homeless policy, according to New Life director Dr. Larry Rice.

“The barricades represent the separation between the Haves and the Have Nots,” Rice explained. “It’s obvious the city of St. Louis wants the Have Nots — the homeless — off the sidewalks and won’t even let the poor and elderly use the parking meters across the street.”

He says the city’s willing to cut off its own nose to spite its face by foregoing the revenue that could be raised by the blocked-off meters.

“This is a clear indication that there is a great need,” Rice continued. “They have to barricade the sidewalks because they know they’re not taking care of the homeless.”

Rice has been locked in a long-running feud with City Hall over how best to help the homeless.

But he says as the holiday season arrives this year there are more people than ever living on the streets of St. Louis.

The New Life Evangelistic Center (1411 Locust St.) will host its annual Thanksgiving Day Feast Thursday at 11 am.

The Reverend Larry Rice (KMOX/Brett Blume)