A local non-profit is tackling the problems that day laborers face in DC.

As Jessica Forres reports... the group wants the city to build a workers' center...

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[THE COMPANY DRIVER TAKES YO U IN THE BACK OF A VAN]

Hassan Shakur, a homeless Vietnam Vet, who works as a day laborer, says even getting to work can be dangerous...

SOMETIMES A VAN HAS NO WINDOWS AND THE DOOR LOCKED FROM THE OUTSIDE SO IF THERE WERE AN ACCIDENT WE COULDN'T GET OUT.

The Washington Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights and Urban Affairs reports that immigrant and homeless day laborers are often exploited.

Lisa Estrada with the Arent Fox law firm supervised the study...

WE DISCOVERED NON-PAYMENT IS THE BIGGEST ISSUE. THAT COMES IN THE FORM OF UNDERPAYMENT, INSSUFICIENT CHECKS...

The committee supports building a workers' center in Ward 5 near the Home Depot, where day laborers wait for jobs.

Harry Thomas, Ward 5's council member, says such a center should also consider the concens of local residents...

I THINK THE BIGGER SOLUTION IS THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX AND HAVING A SOLUTION TOWARDS EMPLOYMENT RELATED ISSUES.

The committee's report says approximately 500 day-laborers regularly seek work in the District.

Jessica Forres WAMU 885 News