California homeless found living in 20-foot-deep furnished caves like Skyrim bandits

"Look, a cave!"

Started: No Place Like Home

» Clear the homeless camp.

Homeless people in California were found living in dangerously constructed riverside caves — outfitting the trash-filled dwellings with furniture and other supplies before they were cleared out by police and volunteers over the weekend.

The 20-foot-deep underground digs were tucked along the Tuolumne River in Modesto, accessible by makeshift stairs carved into the hillside.

During a sweep of the living quarters, 7,600 pounds of trash — filling up two trucks and a trailer — was removed, police said.

"I am sworn to carry your burdens..."

Photos from inside one of the caves obtained by CBS 13 show a table, crates filled with supplies, and even a couple of shelves with food and condiments. Another has a chair and other belongings in bins.

Tracy Rojas, who lives near the subterranean encampment, told CBS 13 that if the caves were to collapse, it would be “devastating.”

She said some of the caves appeared to be fully furnished with bedding as well as drugs and other contraband.

“You can see the hooks on the wall where they had bottles and stuff hanging down,” Rojas said. “I think there needs to be more emphasis on the homeless. They are at the point where you can see they are desperate.”

Guptill said they cleared out eight caves during the cleanup — but he presumes the residents will return, as he has moved them out before.

Police said they're continuing to work with local services to get the homeless people out of the caves and into proper housing.

!g*mers