Unhoused Individuals Found Living in L.A. Storm Drains

Discovery near 110 Freeway intensifies calls for urgent action on homelessness crisis

Mar. 28, 2026 at 1:18pm

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New reports have revealed that unhoused individuals are taking shelter in the storm drain system near the 110 Freeway in Los Angeles, raising safety concerns and intensifying calls for the city to provide meaningful solutions to address the growing homelessness crisis.

Why it matters

The discovery of people living in the dangerous underground drainage system highlights the desperate measures some unhoused individuals are taking to find shelter, as the homelessness crisis in Los Angeles continues to escalate. This incident has sparked renewed demands from the community for the city to move beyond temporary measures and implement more comprehensive outreach and housing programs.

The details

According to Juan Naula, founder of the nonprofit Clean LA With Me, he has witnessed people emerging from the storm drains near 88th Street and South Grand Avenue on two separate occasions over the past two weeks. When city workers attempted to seal a manhole, another person was almost trapped inside. Additional reports have also surfaced of unhoused individuals taking shelter in storm drains in other parts of the city, such as Canoga Park.

  • On Monday, March 25, 2026, Naula encountered two individuals exiting the storm drains near 88th Street and South Grand Avenue.
  • Two days later, on March 27, 2026, another group of unhoused people were found inside a storm drain in Canoga Park.

The players

Juan Naula

The founder of the nonprofit Clean LA With Me, who reported witnessing people emerging from the storm drains near the 110 Freeway.

Los Angeles City Officials

The municipal authorities responsible for addressing the homelessness crisis and the safety concerns raised by the discovery of people living in the storm drain system.

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What they’re saying

“The surrounding neighborhood is currently densely lined with recreational vehicles, tents, and accumulating refuse.”

— Local Resident

“When city workers were preparing to seal the manhole, another person was almost sealed inside.”

— LA Times Reporter

What’s next

City officials are expected to hold emergency meetings to discuss immediate actions to address the safety concerns and provide alternative housing solutions for the individuals living in the storm drains.

The takeaway

The discovery of unhoused individuals taking shelter in the dangerous storm drain system near the 110 Freeway in Los Angeles highlights the urgent need for the city to implement more comprehensive and effective strategies to address the growing homelessness crisis, including increased outreach, access to affordable housing, and long-term support services.