This Homeless Man Lives Better Than Many New Yorkers

By Editorial Staff in Bizarre On 14th January 2017

You are probably reading this from the comfort of your own home, or apartment. It’s filled with the things you love, probably some people you love and has seemingly whatever you may need to survive. Sure, we could always use nice new appliances, trendy decor, and comfier furniture. But most people would say they’re grateful for the place they can call home. But what would you do if one day it was all gone and you had nowhere to go? For many, there’s no place left to go other than the streets. But one man named Carlos didn’t let this get in the way of him finding a place he could call his own, and he lives better than most people in New York City do without a legal address.

#1 New York Is A Massive City

Over 8 million people reside in the city limits of New York, with another 5 million in the closest suburbs. It's a huge city with a lot of people. Despite this fact, more and more people are migrating to larger cities like New York, even though the rent is out of control. Sadly, many people have lost their homes or apartments because of these massive rent increases, and you won't believe what else is going on with the population in our largest city.

#2 They Have A Massive Homeless Population

A very sad truth about New York City is that for every 147 people, there is one who is homeless. That means that over 500,000 residents of the city have no place to call home and must rely on shelters, or worse, the streets. But there is one man who has made use of the concrete jungle and found a place to call his own, even if it seems a little strange to most of us.

#3 One Man Thinks He Has The Answers

Living on the streets is dangerous and unsanitary, as well as bad for your mental and physical well-being. Imagine that there are entire family's living in alleys, or in dumpsters when they can't get a bed in a shelter. You don't have a home to protect you from thieves and other criminals, or the elements, so not only are your belongings at risk, but your body is as well. But one man, Carlos, has found a way to protect himself from these dangers while remaining homeless!

#4 He’s Found A Home In A Hole

In the subway tunnels, there are huge holes in the ground, way beneath the towering office and apartment buildings, that were put in place to allow workers access to wiring and allow water to seep through without flooding the tracks. Most have not been used for decades, but the homeless population has found use for these holes, and Carlos has discovered one that's perfect for his needs.

#5 It’s In The Perfect Spot

People don't normally fantasize about finding a hole in the subway tunnel to live in, but for the homeless population, this is a dream come true! Carlos's hole in the ground is the perfect spot. He's hidden from obvious effects of weather and harsh New York precipitation, and he's also able to hide from criminals looking to steal any money or belongings he has. What he is doing is also illegal, but with such a secretive spot, he hasn't been caught yet!

#6 He’s Not The First To Live There

This particular hole was once used by another homeless man who had found a spot in a subsidized apartment house and suggested his friend Carlos take over his hole. Of course, it beat living in a cardboard box in an alley or on a bench in Central Park, so Carlos moved right into his hole. What he has is something many people without homes only dream of possessing! But there's still one thing that makes this home extra special

#7 One Thing Sets His Home Apart

Not only was Carlos able to get his own hole to live in, far from the hustle and bustle, but he was able to do something special with his hole to make it even more amazing. He wired it for electricity! Borrowing from the subway system, he did the work himself and it provides him just what he needs. For a man living alone in such a small space, he doesn't use enough for anyone to notice. And it's given him more than he could ever ask for.

#8 He’s Living Decently

Now Carlos can read at night, and even use his heater on cool nights, though the temperature in the hole is usually around 70 degrees all year long. When a train comes, Carlos does have to hide so as to not worry anyone on the train who might see him. But with the electricity, at least he doesn't have to hide out in the dark. And there's one more thing that still makes Carlos's home all the more unique.

#9 He Has A Fridge

The electricity comes in handy for other things as well, since Carlos has a refrigerator, hot plate, and microwave down in his hole. That's right, Carlos's tiny hole is actually equipped with a mini fridge and a microwave! Carlos is able to get things he needs by going through the garbage of local supermarkets or fast food restaurants or saving up change he collects. This way, he's able to store all that extra food for much longer and has things you wouldn't be able to keep without a fridge.

#10 He Can Cook His Own Food

The hot plate and tiny microwave give Carlos an advantage most homeless people don't have. He can prepare and cook his own food, and not have to rely on food pantry's or soup lines for his meals. He can actually cook healthy food and make meals last instead of relying on perishable goods or unhealthy fast food. He's able to do this all without having to pay a dime in rent or utilities.

#11 He Doesn’t Have All The Luxuries

Yes, this living situation is not like living at Trump Tower, but for Carlos, this is an unbelievable luxury compared to street living, which so many of his friends have to do. He doesn't have to pay rent and he's still able to live in a city he loves while eating food he enjoys. It's not always easy, but there's one thing Carlos always remembers

#12 For Now, He Has A Home

Carlos has made the best of a horrible situation and it's hard to actually call him 'homeless' now since he has a place to lay his head and relax without having to worry. He's a positive guy and in enjoying his little hole, something he wishes the other 499,999 homeless New Yorkers could do as well. Sure, it might be terrifying to jump down a hole, and the shriek of trains is probably dreadful, but you have to admit he's living the best life possible for a homeless man.

#13 America Has A Crisis

So many people are without a home in our country, and most can't find work because they have no address or phones. New York City has a serious problem they need to address, but for the time being, people still need a place they can eat, stay clean in, and most importantly, feel safe in. It's not just New York, however, the homeless problem is a major threat to the country as every small town has people without a place to live and eat. We can do better that this and people should not have to rely on living in a subway hole.

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