The Untold Story of Living in New York City's Tunnels

🕳️For over 20 years, people have been living in the tunnels beneath New York City, forming a unique community.

🏙️The Freedom Tunnel, an Amtrak train tunnel, was home to dozens of people in the past and is responsible for the legends of mole people.

🚫In the early 1990s, a massive eviction took place, forcing many tunnel dwellers to leave.

👩‍🔧Walter, one of the last remaining mole people, has been living in the tunnels for over 20 years and has built a comfortable home for himself.

💡Living in the tunnels requires resourcefulness, as residents find ways to access electricity and make money through various means.

How do people access electricity in the tunnels?

—There are various sources of electricity in the tunnels, and residents use their resourcefulness to tap into these sources.

What challenges do tunnel dwellers face?

—Tunnel dwellers face the constant risk of eviction, conflicts with other residents, and the need to find steady income and food sources.

Are there any safety concerns in the tunnels?

—Living in the tunnels comes with safety risks, including the potential for fights, theft, and other dangers present in an underground environment.

How do tunnel dwellers make money?

—Tunnel dwellers often rely on creative ways to make money, such as selling items they find or repairing and reselling electronics.

How do tunnel dwellers access basic necessities like food and water?

—Tunnel dwellers find ways to access food through canning, selling books, and occasionally receiving support from social services.

00:00Introduction to the topic of people living in the tunnels beneath New York City.

03:12Overview of the Freedom Tunnel, a famous location where many tunnel dwellers lived in the past.

08:45Interview with Walter, one of the last remaining mole people, who shares his experiences and the challenges he faces.

13:40Discussion about how tunnel dwellers find ways to make money and access basic necessities.

15:40Conclusion and reflection on the unique community formed in the tunnels beneath New York City.