The New York Tunnel Dwellers

The network of subway tunnels beneath New York City is home to around 350 individuals, according to officials with New York's public transportation system. Despite the city's current efforts to completely remove them, upwards of 1,000 usually find shelter there.

Since its first opening in 1904, the city's subway system has been a familiar sight. There are 230 miles of tunnels there, in addition to other abandoned hidden stations and tunnels, except for the homeless population of the city.

Although authorities have located roughly 30 homeless encampments as of today, the situation is not at all new. In 1990, a film called Dark Days chronicled the life of the tunnel residents. And before that, in 1977, the New York Times published headlines referring to a "hobo colony" under Park Avenue. The practice of residing there has a long history, so even if the plans are carried out, it seems doubtful that the tunnels will be empty for an extended period of time.