Beneath the bright lights of Las Vegas, many people live in a hidden world that most visitors never see. Hundreds of men and women have made the underground flood tunnels their home. These tunnels were originally built to carry rainwater safely through the city, but they now provide shelter for those who have nowhere else to go.
In 2019, the city of Las Vegas passed a law that made it illegal for homeless people to sleep on sidewalks in certain areas when shelter beds are available. This law pushed many people off the streets, and some chose the tunnels because they offered safety, shade from the desert heat, and privacy. Life in the tunnels is challenging. The spaces are dark and filled with insects, rats, and contaminated water. Flash floods can be dangerous when it rains, washing away belongings in moments.
Despite these hardships, people living underground form close communities, helping each other with food, safety, and support. Outreach organizations regularly visit the tunnels to provide meals, supplies, and opportunities for housing. The tunnels of Las Vegas reveal a hidden side of the city, showing the resilience of people who survive in extreme conditions and the challenges that remain for those without homes.
