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Meet The Mole People Living Beneath the Las Vegas Strip

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Beneath the Las Vegas Strip.

I went underground to learn about the community of homeless people who live in sewer tunnels beneath the Las Vegas strip.

What does the existence of the mole people of Las Vegas say about the challenges and inequalities faced by vulnerable populations in American society?

Las Vegas, best known for its glamourous casinos and extravagant lifestyle may hide more than just the sins of its visitors. Beneath the city’s bright lights lies a group of people who have been living underground for years, known as the mole people.

These secret residents of the Las Vegas underground have been living in tunnels beneath the city for decades, often going unnoticed by the tourists above. Some reports suggest that the first groups of mole people moved into the tunnels in the 1970s, when the city was undergoing a period of economic and social change.

Today, the mole people primarily consist of individuals experiencing homelessness, struggling with addiction, or in search of a place to live where they won’t be harassed by law enforcement. These underground dwellers have created a community based on mutual support and survival.

The tunnel system is vast and provides a level of security rarely found on the streets above. Despite the difficulties of living underground, residents have found ways to make the space more livable with makeshift furniture, electricity, and even running water in some areas.

Many of the mole people earn money by selling their handmade items, offering guided tours of the tunnel system to curious visitors or working small jobs in the city above. These income streams help pay for necessities like food and clothing.

However, living below ground comes with significant risks as well. The tunnels must be navigated in the dark, and the risk of tunnel collapse is ever-present. There is also the constant threat of flooding during the city’s monsoon season, which can be especially dangerous for those living below ground.

Perhaps the most significant danger, however, is the lack of access to medical care for residents who fall ill or get injured. For many, getting adequate healthcare is nearly impossible, even in the age of universal healthcare in the U.S.

Despite the challenges, the mole people remain a resilient and supportive community. They take pride in their resourcefulness and have found unique solutions to the problems faced by those living below ground.

While the mole people of Las Vegas may seem like a hidden world to many, they are a reminder of the deep inequality present in American society. While the city and its visitors enjoy world-class amenities and luxury, others are forced into a subterranean existence to survive. For those living underground, the future remains uncertain, but their determination and resilience are a testament to the human spirit.