City workers cleared another homeless encampment on Thursday, marking yet another troubling episode in the ongoing challenge of housing the homeless. Footage captured workers entering a stormwater tunnel in Canoga Park, where individuals had created makeshift living spaces beneath the street.
Authorities revealed that access to the underground shelter was via a manhole located on the sidewalk near the Los Angeles River and Bassett Street.
Rangers from the Mountain Recreation and Conservation Authority intervened, safely relocating the residents to temporary accommodations and sealing the drain to prevent re-entry. The conditions inside were concerning, filled with debris, refuse, and human waste—transforming the storm system into a hazardous environment, as reported.
Officials noted that many unhoused individuals often decline city assistance, choosing instead to return to abandoned areas and dig deeper into makeshift living conditions without seeking help.
This cleanup followed a similar operation conducted recently in South Los Angeles, where a property near West 88th Street and South Grand Avenue had been used sporadically as an overnight refuge from the streets.
Local residents have expressed ongoing concerns about crime and vandalism associated with these hidden encampments, alongside issues stemming from the above-ground tent cities. One neighbor described the situation as “terrible,” indicating that authorities might take additional measures to safeguard the neighborhood.
The city has been grappling with a widespread homelessness crisis for quite some time now. To date, over $2.6 billion in taxpayer money has been allocated to acquire and renovate hotels, motels, and dormitories for the large unhoused population, according to reports.
All these properties were purchased from Governor Gavin Newsom for $1.3 billion through a major initiative, which was subsequently renovated with an added $1.3 billion in funding from both the City and County of Los Angeles.
