Stories of "mole people" have always intrigued me. Years ago I went urban exploring in search of these mole people living in the tunnels under New York City. I found some of them in the Freedom Tunnel, a train tunnel that runs under the West Side highway.
This tunnel is well known for its graffiti, but is also the home to several homeless people. Two of these men were nice enough to invite me into their homes in the train tunnel.
This video is a short interview with Walter, a homeless man who has lived in the Freedom Tunnel for over 20 years. The level of comfort and amenities he has made for himself in the train tunnel is astonishing. It is a paradox that a so called "homeless person" has made such a nice home for himself.
He had electricity, a computer, a stereo, and many other modern comforts underground. Walter talks about his life in the tunnel, and some of what it takes to survive living below the streets of New York.
Sadly Walter passed away in 2012 when he was struck by a train.
The authorities cleared everyone out of the tunnel a few years later, and cleaned up the entire area. The police now make routine sweeps through the tunnel.
via Erik K Swanson
Matt Coneybeare
Editor in Chief
Matt enjoys exploring the City's with his partner and son. He is an avid marathon runner, and spends most of his time eating, running, and working on cool stuff.
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