Broadway, Wall Street, the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, and countless more sites in New York City draw millions of tourists each year. New York City is a symbol of the American Dream for people worldwide.
It would appear, though, that the once-great American metropolis is not what it once was. Some estimates put the daily exodus as close to 300 persons. Thousands of homeless people in the city don't have the means to go, so in some ways, these people may be considered fortunate.
More Than 2,000 New Yorkers Live in Underground.
The number of New York City's homeless population is shocking. According to some estimates, there may be as many as 60,000 homeless persons in the city. The estimated 2,178 homeless people who have taken refuge below in New York City are likely underestimated.
They Live Under the Town's Most Popular Areas
Some city residents refer to the underground dwellers as "mole people," They have managed to make a comfortable life for themselves in heavily trafficked areas of town. Because they fear being forced out of their underground hideouts by the law, they only leave when nightfall has fallen.
The Mole People Live In Abandoned Subway Tracks
There are several new stretches of New York City subways. Historically, they served as a method of citywide transportation. But other songs are no longer in use, such as Track 61. However, instead of being cleared away, they are a hiding place for abandoned train carriages and other relics beneath the city.
For Decades, Humans Have Made Their Home Belowground
There have always been a lot of people living on the streets in New York City, but it's awful since the Great Depression. Subway tunnels became a residence for some during that time of crisis. The number of individuals without homes and those forced to live in the city's underground have increased since then.
In Cold Weather, New York's Homeless Shelter In Abandoned Stations
The New York climate is notoriously unforgiving. Those without shelter must brave the cold on their own during the winter. Thus, they try to find a place to rest where the temperature is relatively constant. Deserted areas are excellent hiding spots.
They Live in Perilous Environments
Poor people's neighbourhoods tend to be unsafe. In the dark depths of the tunnels, scurrying rodents and scaly reptiles wait. In the shadows, there is trash and other potential dangers. On top of that, criminals are easier to spot in the shadows, and more people are frequently the targets of violence. Thieves will take what little a victim has.
A Simple Pathway Leads To The Tunnels
Anyone with the will to do so can find their way to the subway tunnels' exits. The city has a plethora of entry points spread all across it. However, entering them is against the law and might lead to criminal prosecution.
Darkness Makes Life Difficult For Humans
The mole people will resort to any means necessary to meet their basic needs. For them, it's a challenge. They can't go outside till it's completely dark out. They might go into trouble if officials catch sight of them.
There Are Beautiful Subway Sections For Homeless People
These abandoned subway tunnels are breathtaking. They are pretty extravagant and often include stained glass. Areas with windows get more light and probably are cleaner than those without. If you are homeless, these regions do not appear to be terrible places to live.
The Dark Tunnels Are Favored
While certain subway parts are lovely and well-lit, the mole people seem to gravitate toward the more shadowy corners. It's not hard to understand why. Those shady areas will keep them hidden from the authorities, who will otherwise force them out of the station.
The Tunnels Are Too Big for the City to Clean
The city has attempted to clean out certain areas of the subway tunnels over several years. Unfortunately, the scope of the job is so extensive that many forgotten locations, including decommissioned sections of the system, have remained unexplored. The adage goes like this, "out of sight, out of mind."
Some Mole People Sleep More Publicly
Some of the individuals who live beneath are wary about exploring new territory. They prefer to sleep on working platforms right where everyone can see them. Many spend the night on subway platforms, sleeping on benches or the floor.
A Few Sleep On The Subway
Subway rides are also a common form of transportation and leisure time activity for those who want to live underground. People do this to try to get the most out of their ride. Due to the high volume of passengers boarding and disembarking, it may be some time before they are discovered and removed.