Homeless Couple Found Living Inside LA Bridge Pillars

Nonprofit leader discovers disturbing living conditions as housing crisis continues in the city.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 6:58pm

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A nonprofit leader in Los Angeles made a distressing discovery this week - a man and woman living inside a crawl space within the pillars of a bridge near the LA River. The couple, Gustavo and his girlfriend, have been residing in the cramped, unsanitary space for the past three years after losing their homes due to bank foreclosure.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing housing crisis and homelessness challenges facing Los Angeles, where many residents are being pushed into increasingly desperate living situations. Advocates have long called for more affordable housing and support services, but the problem persists, with vulnerable people resorting to makeshift shelters in dangerous locations.

The details

When the nonprofit leader, Juan Naula, found the couple, the space they were living in smelled of smoke from a fire they had lit to keep warm, as well as urine. Naula said the couple told him the 'bank' had taken over their homes, leaving them without a place to live. He offered them food and water, which they accepted, and said he is trying to do whatever he can to help, though some people don't want the assistance.

  • Naula discovered the couple living in the bridge pillars this week.
  • The couple has been residing in the crawl space for the past 3 years.

The players

Juan Naula

A nonprofit leader in Los Angeles who discovered the homeless couple living inside the bridge pillars and is trying to provide them with assistance.

Gustavo

A homeless man who has been living with his girlfriend inside a crawl space in a bridge near the LA River for the past 3 years after losing their home due to bank foreclosure.

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What they’re saying

“People are living on the pillars of a bridge—this is the reality in our city.”

— Juan Naula, Nonprofit Leader

“The bank took over the houses and that's why they ended up here.”

— Gustavo

“I'm trying to do whatever I can. Sometimes people don't want help, it's OK, but this lady wanted to get help.”

— Juan Naula, Nonprofit Leader

What’s next

Naula plans to continue working with the couple to try and connect them with housing and other support services, though the broader housing crisis in Los Angeles remains a significant challenge.

The takeaway

This disturbing discovery of a homeless couple living in the pillars of a bridge in Los Angeles underscores the dire need for more affordable housing and comprehensive support services to address the city's ongoing homelessness crisis. Advocates have long called for solutions, but the problem persists, forcing vulnerable residents into increasingly unsafe and unsanitary living conditions.