Helping the Homeless

How pleased I was to read Norman Cousin’s Op-Ed article (“The City That Would Give Shelter,” Jan. 10). As one who has devoted the past 15 years with the homeless on Skid Row, I too have been troubled by the lack of imagination, ingenuity and initiative our community has demonstrated in its efforts to help those of our citizens who are forced to call the street their home.

Recently, tangible support for the men, women and children of the streets from key executives and professionals within several of Los Angeles’ most prominent corporations has renewed my faith in our community. Joining forces with John Singleton of Security Pacific Corp., these “movers and shakers” have set out to raise millions of dollars to build a state-of-the-art facility here in Los Angeles to stand as a national model in the treatment and restoration of the chronically homeless.

These men and women, volunteer members of the URM Second Century Campaign, are generating “the collective will” to begin solving what has been regarded as a seemingly unsolvable problem. Together, they are out to establish Los Angeles as a passionate, prideful and national leader in addressing what President Bush has called “our national shame.”

Cousins and other concerned leaders like him will certainly be pleased, but more importantly should know that they, too, can join with us in this great endeavor.

GEORGE CAYWOOD

Executive Director

Union Rescue Mission

Los Angeles