The Growing Challenge of Homelessness in Los Angeles: The Hidden Lives Within Storm Drains
Disturbing Discovery Reveals People Living in Sewers in South Los Angeles
LOS ANGELES – The homeless crisis in Los Angeles has taken a troubling turn, with reports of individuals taking refuge inside the city’s storm drain system. This revelation highlights the extreme conditions some residents are facing amid ongoing challenges related to homelessness.
An exclusive look inside a storm drain in South Los Angeles uncovered alarming scenes, including piles of trash, human waste, and an overwhelming stench. Eyewitness accounts described the environment as unsafe, prompting a FOX 11 crew to set up their broadcasts several blocks away for safety. "What we saw there is hard to forget," remarked FOX 11’s Matthew Seedorff.
Witnesses observed a person emerging from the drain during the inspection, although they declined to comment on camera. The area near 88th Street and South Grand Avenue is marked by RVs, tents, and significant litter, further illustrating the dire circumstances above ground.
Juan Naula of the nonprofit Clean LA With Me recounted witnessing two individuals exit the storm drain while he was assisting in street cleanup on Monday. "I can’t explain that. A person living like a rat — worse than a rat. Come on," he expressed, emphasizing that this was not an isolated incident. He mentioned encountering another individual living underground during a prior cleanup just two weeks earlier, stating, "Are you kidding me? It’s a human being. Why are we accepting this? All the officials — they have to do something."
Residents in the area have voiced their frustrations, reporting these conditions multiple times without apparent action from authorities. "It pisses me off … we need your help. The public here needs that," said Latoia Thomas, a concerned neighbor.
In response to the alarming situation, a spokesperson for Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass characterized the conditions as "tragic and unacceptable," attributing them to years of systemic failures. While the statement noted a 17% decline in street homelessness under Bass’ administration, it acknowledged that more work remains to be done. City staff are expected to assess the specific locations mentioned in the report.
