Summary

• There are over 2,000 homeless people living underground in New York City, with some reports suggesting a much higher number.
• The mole people live beneath popular parts of the city, hiding from authorities and forming tight-knit communities.
• Living underground comes with many dangers, including exposure to violence, crime, and unsanitary conditions. The city is struggling to address the issue and may crack down on crime in these areas.

New York City is the home of some impressive attractions, including Broadway, Wall Street, the Statue of Liberty, One World Trade Center, and many other places that attract thousands of visitors each year. People all over the world dream of moving to New York City to start a life in the United States. It's the city that never sleeps, which rings truer as one goes below surface level.

However, these days it appears the great American city is not what it once was. There are nearly 300 people leaving the area each day, according to some reports. Some might call these the lucky ones because there are thousands of homeless in the city that can't find the resources to get out. After all, the streets of NYC are some of the busiest in the world: so what truly lies below them? Being a hub for travel, living, and opportunities only goes as planned some of the time, with many not having such a pleasant experience. Who are the mole people of New York City?

UPDATE: 2023/08/03 16:58 EST BY NOAH STAATS

The Mole People Of New York City Live Among Us

This article has been refreshed with new information regarding the mole people living under NYC, as well as tips, notes, and warnings for travelers. Generally, these homeless people won't bother those vacationing in the Big Apple but rather mind their business underground in abandoned subway tunnels.

20 There Are More Than 2,000 People Living Underground In New York City

• It's believed that over 60,000 people are homeless in NYC.
• 2,000+ homeless are living under the streets of the Big Apple.

There is a staggering number of homeless people in New York. Some believe more than 60,000 people are living in the city without a home. There are reports of 2,178 homeless living underground in New York, but the number could be much higher.

19 They Are Living Under Some Of The Most Popular Parts Of Town

• Mole people in New York City often live beneath iconic parts of town.
• Authorities are actively seeking those who stay beneath the city streets.

The mole people, as some people call them, are living in popular parts of town without the people who are walking above even knowing they are there. They travel under cover of darkness so as not to be evicted from their underground homes by authorities.

18 Mole People Occupy Forgotten Sections Of The Subway Like Track 61

• Mole people inhabit the forgotten parts of the NYC subway, including Track 61.

Numerous sections of New York's subways are abandoned. They once transported people throughout the city. However, some tracks, like Track 61, are no longer in use. Instead of being cleaned out, though, they conceal old rail cars and other forgotten things deep beneath the city.

17 People Have Been Living Underground For Decades

• There have been homeless people living underground in New York City for decades.
• This practice began around the time of the Great Depression.

Ever since the Great Depression, there have been many homeless people in New York City. During that difficult period, people started using the subway tunnels as a place to live. Since then, the homeless population has grown, and so has the number of people living under the city.

The concept of mole people in NYC has been a long-standing practice. It's reported this has been happening since the Great Depression, so for decades in New York.

16 The Homeless In New York Take Shelter In Abandoned Stations During Freezing Temperatures

• During winter, the homeless in New York City will make their way into the subway and abandoned train stations to stay warm and alive.

In New York, the weather is relentless. Those who do not have homes are at the mercy of the elements during freezing nights. So, they look for shelter anywhere they can find warmth. Abandoned places are a perfect refuge.

15 The Places They Call Home Are Dangerous

• Even though the mole people seldom come out, their home is dangerous to outsiders.
• Darkness conceals criminals, making this a hot spot for violent crime and people.

The places where homeless people live are dangerous. Rodents and reptiles lurk through the tunnels. There are debris and other hazards in the dark. Plus, the darkness conceals criminals, and mole people are often the victims of attacks. Thieves even steal what little they have.

Do NOT enter the tunnels where the mole people of NYC live. These systems are unsafe and harbor criminals, mentally ill people, and undesirable diseases, pests, and problems. The underground tunnels are easy to get to: but not easy to leave.

14 The Tunnels Are Easily Accessible

• The entrance to abandoned subway tunnels that start the mole system is easy to enter.
• Doing this can land people in jail, so it's not worth trying.

The entrances to the subway tunnels are easily accessible by anyone who has the desire to venture into them. There are numerous entrances throughout the city. However, it is illegal to enter, and going into them can result in criminal charges.

13 The Mole People Form A Community

• The people in the mole community have formed tight-knit bonds.
• Mole people throughout New York depend on each other for shelter and safety.

Just like any place where numerous people live, the mole people form communities. Most of them look after each other, but there is also a kind of hierarchy. Most of them are very territorial over the section of the tunnels where they live. After all, it is their home.

12 Some Families Call The Tunnels Home

• Although the minority, some families live in the tunnels under New York City.
• If police find out children are down here, they're taken from their parents.

There are couples and even families that live underground. The sad part is these people risk losing their kids if authorities find out they do not have a place to live. So, the families living in the subway do their best to stay concealed.

Unfortunately, there are families that also live under the streets of New York. If caught, the parents can face jail time while the children are taken away by officials.

11 The People Living Underground Have Pets

• Many mole people have furry friends that accompany them under the streets of NYC.
• Dogs, cats, rats, and other animals live under the city.

People are not the only ones living in subway tunnels under New York City. Many animals live beneath the streets. Some of the mole people even domesticate these animals and live with them. These animals keep them company in the very isolated and lonely place they call home.

10 Life Is Hard For People Living In Darkness

• Those under the streets of NYC often live hard, upsetting lives.
• Mole people are more susceptible to violence and crime than those above.

The mole people do anything they can to eat and obtain the things they need. It is difficult for them, though. They have to wait until it is dark to emerge from their homes. If authorities see them, they risk getting in trouble.

9 They Use Light That Shines Through Air Circulation Vents To Read

• The mole people depend on light coming through air vents to see.
• Many mole people read below the streets of New York, often under openings in the sidewalk.

Homeless people are just like everyone else. They enjoy the same things you and I do. However, it is harder for them to do something like reading a book because they do not have electricity. So, instead, they use the light that comes in through ventilation grates.

8 There Are Sections Of The Subway That Make For A Beautiful Home For The Homeless

• Parts of the New York City subway make for beautiful, safe spaces for the homeless.
• Over time, however, many of these safety havens have become inaccessible to those without homes.

Some of the abandoned sections on the subway are beautiful. They feature ornate decorations and stained glass. The parts featuring windows offer natural light and appear to be cleaner than the darker sections. Honestly, these areas do not look like a horrible place to live if you are homeless.

7 Most Prefer The Dark Sections Of The Tunnels

• Many homeless in New York City prefer the dark, secluded sections of the tunnels.
• Mole people are notorious for being in the hidden parts of the Big Apple, unknown by residents, tourists, and officials alike.

Despite the areas of the subway that are beautiful and have natural light, the mole people prefer the dark sections. The reason is simple. The shaded parts offer them protection from transit authority personnel and police, who will kick them out if they find them.

6 The City Is Trying To Clean Up The Tunnels, But They Are So Large

• New York City officials are actively working on cleaning up the underground system.
• This mole community has become so large it's nearly impossible to eradicate.

Throughout the years, the city has made efforts to clean sections of the subway tunnels. However, the task is so vast that many abandoned areas remain untouched, especially the parts of the system that are no longer in use. As the saying goes, "Out of sight, out of mind."

Even with cleanup efforts in the works, the city of New York can't keep up with the mole communities. This underground system has been around so long that city officials aren't able to handle it productively. As of now, the mole people may continue to live under NYC forever.

5 Some Mole People Choose More Public Areas To Sleep

• For their safety, many homeless people sleep in public spaces.
• This causes concern for non-homeless people, especially in tourist locations.

Some of the people living underground do not venture into unknown areas. They instead choose to sleep on operating platforms in plain sight of the people bustling around them. These people sleep on public benches or even on the floor steps away from the subway trains.

4 Some Actually Sleep On The Subway

• It's not uncommon for those living under the streets of NYC to sleep on the subway.
• Many will leave their abandoned part of the subway and sleep in active cars.

Another popular place for people living underground to sleep or spend time is riding the subway. These people get on and ride for as long as possible. With so many people getting on and off, they can usually remain unnoticed for quite a while before someone kicks them off.

3 Some Are Contributing To The Filth Of The Subway

• Homeless/mole people contribute to the already-aging NYC subway system.
• Many locals find this upsetting, and tensions have risen.

Just like ordinary people, some of the people riding the trains for refuge are dirtier than others. Some of them throw trash around or clutter the cars with their belongings. However, you can't blame them for wanting to keep their few possessions with them.

2 They Do Anything They Can To Stay Warm

• Homeless in New York City find new spots to sleep when they can to stay warm.
• Many homeless people die in New York during the harsh winters.

During the coldest nights, the number of people underground is much higher. Most of these people typically sleep above ground. However, during the freezing temperatures sleeping on a park bench is extremely dangerous. They wear whatever clothes they have and cover themselves with anything they can find to avoid hyperthermia.

1 The Mole People In New York's Tunnels Are A Huge Concern For The City

• The mole people inside NYC's tunnels are a threat to public safety.
• Mayor Adams has a plan to eradicate crime from the city, which could include the mole people.

People living in abandoned spaces underground were forgotten for years. After being there for such a long time that it is difficult for them to figure out how to get out. So, the city now has the task of helping them find their way back into society. The city's leader, Mayor Adams, has mentioned he's planning on cracking down severely on crime in all shapes and forms: which will likely impact the mole people living beneath the streets.