Tackling the Homeless Problem : Cowboys stalwart plans a shelter for South-Central Los Angeles

James Washington, a Dallas Cowboys defensive back who played with distinction in Sunday’s Super Bowl game, is not exactly a household name in Los Angeles, although he was a standout player at Jordan High School in Watts and at UCLA. Washington deserves glory for his actions on the field, where he made one of four Dallas interceptions during the championship game--and, more important, for his actions off the field.

In the off-season--when most professional athletes are concentrating on family, business and keeping in shape-- Washington will be opening a homeless shelter on Western Avenue in South-Central Los Angeles. He hasn’t publicized many details, but he has indicated that the shelter will be his personal charity.

Washington has been among the athletes who participate in charities through contributions and personal appearances. For example, he is active in the Easter Seals campaign to raise money for children with disabilities; he has also organized a student outreach program to motivate youngsters to stay in school and off drugs. Now he plans a program that will address a pressing urban need.

Thousands of people are homeless on any given night in Los Angeles. An increasing number are children. In some of the poorest areas of South-Central, families double up with friends and neighbors in small, crowded apartments. Those who can find no other shelter sleep in cars or on the streets.

On the football field, Washington, 28, wins cheers when he makes interceptions and jarring tackles. Off the field, he deserves cheers for giving something back to people in his hometown who are much less fortunate than he.