California homeless innovate with a fully-equipped dwelling, including garden and electricity, on Los Angeles freeway land. (Screengrab/YouTube)
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In a unique display of resourcefulness, homeless individuals in California have constructed a fully-equipped dwelling, complete with rock walls, a garden, a barbecue grill, a hammock, decorative string lights, potted plants, and even functioning electricity. The house is situated on a strip of land sandwiched between a busy freeway and the Arroyo Seco in Los Angeles.
The well-built structure is a stark contrast to other homeless-made shelters along the drainage basin. The video below was captured by Los Angeles news station KTLA.
The number of such encampments has seen a rise in recent years, with approximately 46,000 Los Angeles residents currently experiencing homelessness, according to the station.
Related Story: Sacramento Gave Homeless Camp a Lease as an Experiment. Here’s What Happened.
Mixed Reactions from Neighbors
The inhabitants of the makeshift home declined to comment, but nearby residents offered varied opinions. While some expressed indifference, others admired the effort put into the construction. However, concerns were raised about the legality and safety of such dwellings on public property.
Despite the controversy, the makeshift home is equipped with two fire extinguishers for safety. Some residents blame the city’s high rental costs for the increasing number of homeless encampments.
Read more at the New York Post.