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In Los Angeles, advocates stress the urgent need for transitional housing solutions for the homeless population. Yet, some find themselves seeking shelter in the most unexpected places.
This week, Juan Naula, a nonprofit leader, uncovered a troubling situation: a couple taking refuge in a crawl space beneath a bridge near the Los Angeles River.
“This is the harsh reality of our city—people are living on the bridge pillars,” Naula shared in a poignant Instagram post.
Gustavo, one of the individuals residing under the bridge, revealed that he and his girlfriend have called this confined space home for the past three years. The conditions they endure are dire, resembling those of another woman who was found living in a storm drain in the area.
The cramped quarters were filled with the acrid smell of smoke from a fire they used for warmth and the stench of urine, as reported by NBC LA.
Naula said the couple told him that the “bank” took over their homes and left them without a home.
“The bank took over the houses and that’s why they ended up here,” Naula told NBC LA.
He offered the couple food and water, which they accepted.
“I’m trying to do whatever I can. Sometimes people don’t want help, it’s OK, but this lady wanted to get help,” he explained.
Naula has been helping people in LA since he moved to the area a year-and-a-half ago from the East Coast. He runs the popular Clean LA With Me Instagram account.
He said the bridge dwelling, another in a series of abhorrent conditions he’s found homeless people living in, makes him emotional.
“I want to cry,” Naula told NBC LA. “This is not acceptable. I don’t accept it.”