Concerns are rising among local residents about an expansive homeless encampment situated beneath the 10 Freeway in downtown Los Angeles. Meanwhile, those residing in the encampment assert that this location remains their sole option while they await available shelter spaces.

Positioned by 17th Street, the encampment is characterized by long rows of improvised dwellings. One resident, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed his hope for transitioning to a more stable living environment in the near future.

“We have access to water and electricity for the time being, but ultimately, we’re still without a home,” he shared with KTLA’s Ellina Abovian. “We’re actively seeking assistance and support.”

His makeshift home is equipped with two beds, a television, chairs, and other furnishings, all held together using tarps, wood, and rope.

One particular structure in the area has gained attention on social media, dubbed “The Mansion” for its sizable and robust construction, complete with ample furniture and a setup that resembles a home.

“We don’t like these living [conditions], but this is what we’re dealt with,” the man explained.

At the moment, he said local shelters aren’t an option as there are no openings. “Shelters are full right now,” he said.

When the weather gets chilly, many residents will light small fires inside metal pots to keep themselves warm.

“I’ll take some wood and some sanitizer and start a small fire to keep ourselves warm and it works for the most part, but if not contained, it can get out of control,” he explained. “These [tarps above] can catch fire so fast.” 

In November 2023, just two miles from the encampment, a major fire broke out at a pallet yard underneath the 10 Freeway, destroying part of the freeway and severely affecting the commute for nearly 300,000 drivers. Parts of the freeway remained closed for days while repairs were underway.

With many living spaces created by mostly flammable material, residents and nearby business owners said they’re afraid the encampment will be the source of yet another destructive fire in the future. 

“It looks like a hotel,” said Elvia Linton, who works at a tire shop next to the sprawling encampment. “The biggest thing now is we don’t want a fire like two years ago because two days ago, when it was raining, I don’t know what they were doing inside, but you could see the smoke coming out [from the encampment.]”

However, some locals believe that a solution to house the people living there should be the main priority for local leaders.

“We don’t want a fire, but I think the concern should be housing them and taking them out of that misery,” said Daniel Muhoro, a man who works near the encampment. “They don’t want to be there.” 

Some residents told KTLA that city workers drop by occasionally to help, but the encampment remains and the people living there who need help don’t seem to be making much progress. 

“The support around us, they don’t really want us here, so they harass us and do things to make us go,” the male resident said. “But where can we go? Somewhere else where they will just do the same thing. So right now, we’re really asking the city, the people around us, to have some compassion for us because not all of us out here are drug heads or abusers. Some of us are just down on our luck.” 

In a statement, a spokesperson from Mayor Karen Bass’ office said, “Conditions like these are not safe. The City will respond. Since Mayor Bass took office, we have addressed more than 100 encampments all over the city. Many of them had created dangerous environments for the surrounding community and for people living inside the tents and structures. We will continue moving with urgency.”

KTLA has also reached out to Caltrans for a statement and is awaiting a response.