Dozens of tiny homes sprout along freeway with stone walls, hammocks, and lighting – neighbors say they ‘don’t belong’

A SLEW of tiny homes appearing along a freeway have sparked fury among neighboring residents who say the buildings have no place in the area.

The makeshift homes have been appearing on the side of a Los Angeles freeway near Highland Park, made from an array of materials.

2

One of the structures has a ladder leading up to it while another is complete with stone-wall and barbecue out front.

“This doesn’t belong here. This is public property,” neighboring resident Mike Ancheta, told the CW affiliate KTLA.

“But this is not what it’s supposed to be used for. This is dangerous. As you can see, someone is cooking out there, an open fire. They are stealing electricity. I mean, come on.”  

Enrique Rodriguez, another neighbor meanwhile, tried to empathize with the residents of the growing tiny village.

“It sucks that some of these people are here,” he said.

“I do wish better for those people. I cannot be sorry for the mistakes that they made.”  

The tiny homes are made by homeless residents using tarps, scrap metal, and tents.

One is said to be fully advanced, made with electric power lighting, a walkway, and even a hammock.

The U.S. Sun previously reported about a man named Cesar who was living in the encampment.

“He has lights, a stove, refrigerator for food; it’s in good condition,” said Cesar, who described his home to local ABC affiliate KABC.

He had lived near the highlands for the last four years and revealed he couldn’t afford to live anywhere else.

“For my work, I can’t do that and move to another place because the rent is too high,” he said.

Ulysses Chavez, who has witnessed the encampment, believes the city should solve the housing issue.

“It’s messed up,” he said. “They should lower rent. They should lower all kinds of stuff, especially in L.A.” 

This doesn’t belong here. This is public property.

Mike AnchetaNeighboring resident

Last week, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass addressed residents’ concerns and asked them to donate to a campaign to create affordable housing.

“We will not hide people but what we will do is house people”, she said.

“The crisis on our streets is nothing less than a disaster.”

Council member Eunisses Hernandez also released a statement following the news.

“Our outreach teams are working to urgently find housing for the individuals living in this encampment and address the safety issues posed by this structure and its proximity to the river.

“As the City continues to face a housing and homelessness crisis, there are currently not enough housing options available to accommodate the more than 46,000 people who are experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles.

“Our office believes that this status quo is unacceptable and is working to urgently address this crisis, with both short-term and long-term solutions.”

The U.S. Sun has reached out to Council member Eunisses Hernandez for comment.